17 July 2002

National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee
calls for submissions on Draft Code of Welfare for Layer Hens

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) released the Draft Code of Welfare for Layer Hens today, with a closing date for submissions of 28 August.

NAWAC will then consider all submissions and other matters that it is required to consider under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Based on previous experience it is expected several hundred submissions could be received. The earliest date for NAWAC to recommend a finalised code to the Minister of Agriculture is likely to be November.

The purpose of a code of welfare is to establish minimum standards with regard to the way in which people care for, and conduct themselves towards, animals which are owned by them or are in their charge.

Every submission on the draft code should specify the reasons for supporting the aspects supported and the reasons for opposing the aspects opposed. Submissions are also invited to include any alternatives to provisions of the draft code.

The draft code is available on the MAF website at www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/animal-welfare or at public libraries.

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