NZ Pork supports code review

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Friday May 22, 2009

STATEMENT FROM NZ PORK
NZ Pork supports code review

NZ Pork supports NAWAC’s announced intention to proceed with this year’s planned review of the Animals Welfare (Pigs) Code of Welfare 2005.

Our position is consistent with the pork industry’s 10 year plan, implemented in 2005, to educate farmers and research new breeding sow management techniques.

NZ Pork has recently developed a welfare code audit tool for farmers and commits to work with them to see it is implemented as soon as is practically possible so that all parties can be assured of complete compliance with the code.

It should be noted that the industry is making significant progress with planned reforms in this area – we estimate that some 55 per cent of pigs in New Zealand are free range or stall free and that less than 10 per cent of pigs remain in protective sow stalls for longer than six weeks.

ENDS

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