Farmer representatives get new resource to tackle animal welfare issues

03 July 2012

Last week at the annual Federated Farmers conference the Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon. David Carter launched the Farmer Representatives Animal Welfare Toolkit.

The toolkit is designed for farmer representatives who are asked to become part of an animal welfare response by an industry organisation, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), or by a farmer requesting support.

MPI Manager Animal Welfare Sector Support, Leonie Ward said the toolkit is the result of a fantastic collaborative effort with input from all the primary sector industry groups.

“Partnering and enabling is important to us. By working together we designed and produced a tool that is practical and timely and will assist in improving animal welfare compliance in New Zealand.

An early and sustainable resolution of animal welfare issues is crucial for both animals and farmers, and this toolkit is designed to support farmer and industry representatives resolve animal welfare incidents,” said Ms Ward.

The toolkit is a revision of a toolkit MPI, Federated Farmers and NZPork created together in 2006.

“This 2012 version reflects the combined government and industry approach set out in the Safeguarding our Animals, Safeguarding our Reputation programme which encourages everyone to take responsibility for the welfare of animals in New Zealand.”

The toolkit is currently being distributed to farmer representatives nationally.

To download a copy of the toolkit please go to:

http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-resources/publications

and search ‘Animal Welfare Toolkit’.

© Scoop Media