20 October 2005

CAFF Ambivalent About New Government

The Campaign Against Factory Farming (CAFF) is ambivalent about whether the new government will lead to any gains for factory farmed animals. On the one hand CAFF is disappointed that neither the Green Party nor the Maori Party will be making any significant contribution, since these are the only parties with a written policy commitment to end cruelty in agriculture.

CAFF will take a wait and see approach towards United Future and New Zealand First, parties that could have a major influence on government policy. "The leaders of these parties have expressed some sympathy toward factory farmed animals, but have stopped short of giving any real support", says CAFF science spokesperson Dr. Michael Morris. "We hope we can have more productive dialogue with these parties in the new term".

CAFF is however delighted that former Minister of Agriculture Jim Sutton lost his seat in Aoraki and will not be part of the new cabinet. "Jim Sutton has consistently taken an anti-science stance with regard to animal welfare", says Morris.

"He has ignored the overwhelming scientific evidence backing up the common sense view that animals suffer more in severe confinement than well-run alternative systems. He has instead relied on his own inexpert opinion and hearsay from his cronies in the agriculture industry when making decisions. We look forward to a more productive relationship with the new Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton."

ENDS

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