Poultry concerns must be addressed
"The Employment Relations Bill must be amended to include the poultry industry as an 'essential industry' and to address
animal welfare issues," National's Agriculture Spokesman Gavan Herlihy said today.
"In practical terms, the bill before the House would not allow the continued feeding of broiler chickens, leaving them
to starve to death without nourishment. The bill must be amended to address this glaring animal welfare anomaly.
"The special animal welfare requirements of the poultry sector must be recognised in the legislation. I have formally
lodged amendments to address this issue.
"Animal welfare must rank alongside safety and health considerations in Clause 111 as grounds for non-striking employees
to perform the work of those out on strike.
"Realistically, we will require the support of the Green Party to overturn the Government's total rejection of the
poultry industry's concerns. The Greens, through Sue Kedgley, have been very vocal on animal welfare issues. Now is the
chance to match their rhetoric with action," Mr Herlihy said.
Ends