Announcing new animal welfare regulations

On 1 October 2018, the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) released the new Animal Welfare Care and Procedures Regulations which strengthened New Zealand’s animal welfare system.

SPCA worked with MPI to contribute to these new regulations, and we are pleased to see them come into effect.

The new regulations will make it easier for MPI and SPCA to take action against lower level offending, and SPCA is the only charity in New Zealand able to enforce the regulations. These regulations give us more tools to prevent animal cruelty, promote behavioural change improve the lives of animals and make accountable those who commit offences towards animals.

The new regulations cover a range of species and activities, including stock transport, farm husbandry, companion and working animals, pig and layer hens, crustaceans, rodeos, surgical and painful procedures, and inspections of traps.

MPI have developed leaflets for the regulations related to: Bobby calves, Dairy cattle, Deer, Dogs, Goats, Horses, Lifestyle blocks, Pigs, Sheep & Beef cattle, and Transport. There are two leaflets for Transport – one farmer/supplier facing and the other transporter facing.

MPI’s webpage, “Guide to the Animal Welfare Care and Procedures Regulations” has key messages, and you can click on each numbered title to go directly to that section of the regulations on the legislation website. MPI have also developed a new interactive tool for the webpage, called “Ask Reg”, which groups all the applicable regulations, associated guidance, and minimum standards for the animal or activity you select.