Hon David Carter MP
National Party Agriculture Spokesman
23 February 2006
Labour again shows contempt for rural communities
Labour's complete contempt for rural New Zealand was shown again in Parliament today, says National's Agriculture
spokesman David Carter.
Mr Carter sought leave at the start of question time to progress his Dog Control (Exemption of Farm Dogs) Amendment
Bill, but Labour MPs denied leave.
"This is a major issue for rural New Zealand. On 1 July it is a legal requirement to microchip all dogs, with Labour
arguing that this will minimise dog attacks.
"The cost of microchipping will be between $50 and $100 each, so for a large farm with perhaps 12 dogs that could be in
excess of $1000. And it's all for nothing."
"Labour could have let this go to the select committee for the matter to be re-examined by 1 July, during which I'm sure
the stupidity of this law could have been recognised."
ENDS