increase font size
The new rules will give MPI greater visibility of the welfare of animals being exported from New Zealand.
New rules that will give the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) greater visibility of the welfare of animals being exported from New Zealand will come into force on August 25, 2016, MPI announced.
"New Zealanders care deeply about the welfare of animals, and this was reflected during the consultation process," says MPI's director biosecurity and animal welfare Julie Collins.
"The changes that are being introduced in August will further strengthen New Zealand's reputation as a responsible exporter of animals and animal products.
"They will give early effect to amendments made last year to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 that would have otherwise commenced in May 2020".
The changes will give MPI's Director-General more powers to:
require reports on the welfare of animals during their journey and for up to 30 days after their arrival in the importing country, and take that information into account when considering future export approvals.
In addition, the current regime under the Customs Export Prohibition (Livestock for Slaughter) Order 2013 will be moved to regulations under the Animal Welfare Act. These regulations will come into force on December 21, 2016.
"Currently this regime is implemented under the Customs and Excise Act 1996, and needs to be renewed every three years. Under the new regulations the requirement to renew this will be removed.
"I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to give us their feedback in the interests of New Zealand's animals."
Testing confirms H5 bird flu in a single northern giant petrel, found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach in the Wairarapa, says Dr Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Chief Veterinary Officer.
The apple sector is working with the Government to unlock access to two key markets that could bring millions in revenue for apple growers.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
OPINION: A simpler, clearer, more effective Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
The country's second largest milk processor is warning against 'complacency' during a review of competition regulations in the dairy sector.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on household grocery budgets, new figures show pork remains one of the most affordable fresh meat options for New Zealand families.
OPINION: In politics, credibility is and should be big. It must surely rank higher than charisma, which is quite trite and superficial. Yet, voters nowadays are often wooed and influenced by how someone looks or talks at a superficial level. TV plays a huge role in this.
Farmers can spend less time on paperwork, thanks to a new data sharing agreement between DairyNZ’s DairyBase and LIC’s MINDA software.
Kaikōura families affected by July's severe storm have found a practical solution to a problem that's kept some children away from regular schooling for weeks: a washed-out section of Inland Kaikōura Road, which has stopped the local school bus from running its usual route.
Rural New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s recent package of rural healthcare initiatives.
Interest in agritech and production animal systems has prompted Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment to new majors to its popular animal science degree.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
