Hon David Carter MP National Party Agriculture Spokesman

30 March 2006

Greens, NZ First hold key to microchipping exemption

The Greens and NZ First now hold the key to axing the ludicrous plan to microchip farm working dogs, says National Agriculture spokesman David Carter.

"An amendment in my name which proposes exempting farm working dogs from the requirement has been accepted for consideration by Parliament.

"The Government has had to introduce the Local Government Law Reform Bill because the legislation introduced in 2003 establishing a national dog database was defective.

"That's given me the opportunity to effectively table my member's bill - which remains to be drawn from the members' bill ballot - as an amendment to the Government's bill. Parliament must now vote on it.

"I am assured that Act and the Maori Party are with National in opposing microchipping of farm dogs. United Future also supports an exemption.

"That means the balance of power lies not with Labour, but with the Greens or NZ First.

"I call on them to heed the wishes of farmers and vote for my amendment, which sees off this latest costly impost on the rural community," says Mr Carter.

ENDS

© Scoop Media