Draft code of welfare for dogs released for comment
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is seeking comment on a new draft code of welfare for dogs
released today. The code outlines the minimum standards of welfare and recommended best practices for anyone responsible
for dogs. All dogs, including pets, show dogs, working dogs or those used for breeding or sport, are covered by this
code.
Proposed minimum standards and recommendations for best practice relate to all aspects of dog ownership and care,
including water, food and body condition, containment and shelter, sanitation, breeding and inherited disorders, health,
behaviour, training, tail docking, transportation and euthanasia. The code is intended to encourage all those
responsible for the welfare of dogs to exceed the minimum standards and adopt the best practices of husbandry, care and
handling.
The draft code was written by a group convened by the New Zealand Companion Animal Council, in consultation with NAWAC.
Animal welfare organisations, breeders, farmer representatives, local councils and veterinarians were consulted during
its development. It was then submitted to NAWAC, which is seeking public feedback on the recommendations before
finalising the code.
"NAWAC has not made any decisions yet. We want to know how people feel about the issues in the code and welcome
submissions," says Dr Peter O'Hara, Chairman of NAWAC.
"Tail docking is likely to attract interest. NAWAC felt that, in light of the Private Member's Bill recently being
dropped, there was a need to introduce some regulation around this practice. Essentially, the potential for pain might
not be outweighed by non-medical reasons for removing the tail."
"Body condition is also likely to generate debate, as condition varies between individual dogs, breeds and according to
rate of work or physical activity. NAWAC recognises that owners' opinion will vary in what they consider their dog's
ideal condition. Nevertheless, NAWAC considers that the welfare of dogs will be compromised if they are maintained in a
'thin' condition" says Dr O'Hara.
Another issue discussed in the code is inherited disorders as NAWAC considers that dog welfare can be extremely
compromised in the short- and long-term through the effects of inherited disorders.
ENDS