Animal Welfare Bill in Political Peril

Animal advocates are concerned that Act and the National Party will jeopardise improving animal welfare standards in New Zealand.

Labour, the Green Party and United Future are in support of the Animal Welfare (Treatment of Animals) Amendment Bill that could lead to a phase-out of cruel practices such as battery hen cages and sow crates. SAFE says Act and the National Party remain unwilling to support this Bill despite it having the potential to protect millions of animals from suffering.

Animal advocates from SAFE, RNZSPCA and WSPA strongly support the Bill and applaud the parties that endorse it. SAFE says that it is not too late for Act and National to change their stance and urges them not to stand in the way of a landmark decision that will provide better protection for factory-farmed animals.

“The Animal Welfare (Treatment of Animals) Amendment Bill, drafted by Green MP Sue Kedgley, will prohibit cruel factory farming practices that do not meet the obligations of the Animal Welfare Act. The Bill seeks to phase-out any cruel practices within five years,” says SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek.

A media conference in Wellington today will include representatives or statements from SAFE, RNZSPCA, WSPA, Labour and the Green Party as well as a statement from comedian Mike King.

“Ms Kedgley’s Bill seeks to close a loophole in the Animal Welfare Act that allows animals to suffer. In order for it to progress to select committee, support is needed from either the Act Party or National Party. The Bill will have its first reading on 22 September,” says Mr Kriek.

“Opinion polls show that eight out of ten New Zealanders are opposed to sow crates and battery hen cages and it would be a disgrace if this Bill were not allowed to be debated in select committee,” says Mr Kriek.

“The National-led Government has so far shown good leadership on a number of animal welfare issues. They must now show that they care equally about farm animal welfare by supporting this important Bill,” says Mr Kriek.

ENDS

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