Media release
11 March 2014
SPCA shines election year spotlight on animals
In an effort to put animal welfare firmly on the political agenda and in the minds of the voting public in time for
Election Day, SPCA Auckland Executive Director Bob Kerridge has asked leading politicians from all parties to reveal
their positions on animal welfare by mid April.
“I have written to politicians across the board asking them to provide details of their animal welfare policies and to
identify their animal welfare spokesperson,” says Mr Kerridge.
“I have also asked them to disclose their positions on each item contained in the Animal Agenda Aotearoa, a list of the
10 agenda items considered critical to improving the humane treatment of animals in New Zealand, with a view to
providing an informed and comparative poll for public consumption well prior to Election Day on 30 September.
“Animals play a hugely significant role in our lives economically and emotionally – with over 60% of our vital primary
industry exports earned from the 37 million dairy cattle and sheep on our farms[1], to the 5 million companion animals
who reside in 68 % of our homes[2]. The voting public is entitled to know which political parties acknowledge the
importance of animals and have policies in place that will improve their wellbeing.
“And considering that 43% of New Zealanders believe not enough importance is currently placed on animal welfare and the
prevention of cruelty[3], it is vitally important Kiwis can cast their votes for the parties and candidates that reflect
their concerns.
“Now is the opportunity for New Zealanders to acknowledge the very real value of animals, to influence those responsible
for their welfare, and to illustrate to the world that we are indeed a caring nation.”
Animal Agenda Aotearoa
1. Animal Testing – prohibiting the testing of party pills on animals and working towards an outright ban on testing on animals.
2. Sentencing – developing sentencing guidelines for animal cruelty offences and treating cruelty to animals as an aggravating factor
under the Sentencing Act 2002.
3. The Link – recognising the link between animal cruelty, child abuse, and domestic violence, and including animals as “protected
persons” under the Domestic Violence Act 1995.
4. Shelter & Transport – providing adequate shelter for all species of farmed animals and developing develop higher standards of stock
transportation to ensure animal trauma is minimised.
5. Commissioner For Animals – appointing an independent Commissioner for Animals, modelled on those appointed to represent other vulnerable members
of the community, such as children.
6. Surgical Mutilation – prohibiting surgical procedures such as docking of dogs’ tails, the shortening of cows’ tails, de-barking, ear
cropping, de-clawing, etc.
7. Intensive Farming – abolishing all forms of intensive and battery farming practices, including sow stalls, farrowing crates, and battery
cages, on or before January 1, 2017.
8. Painful Devices – prohibiting the sale, possession, or use of devices that inflict pain and suffering on animals, including electric
shock collars, gin traps, electric prodders, fireworks, etc.
9. Animals In Entertainment – establishing stringent regulations for the use of animals in entertainment, including racing, marine parks, movies
and television, rodeos, circuses, etc.
10. Sentience – incorporating in the Animal Welfare Act and the New Zealand Bill of Rights that animals are sentient beings capable
of feeling, to ensure their right to a higher quality of life.
List of parties and politicians approached
National Party
Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister
Hon Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries
Labour Party
Hon David Cunliffe, Leader of the Opposition
Hon Damien O’Connor, Spokesperson, Primary Industries
Hon Trevor Mallard, Member, Government Administration Committee
Maori Party
Hon Tariana Turia, Co-Leader
Te Ururoa Flavell, Co-Leader
New Zealand First
Rt Hon Winston Peters, Leader
Richard Prosser, Spokesperson, Agriculture
Andrew Williams
Green Party
Metiria Turei, Co-Leader
Dr Russell Norman, Co-Leader
Mojo Mathers, Spokesperson, Animal Welfare
United Future
Hon Peter Dunne
Act Party
Jamie Whyte, Leader
Hon John Banks
Don Nicholson, Spokesperson, Primary Industries
Mana Party
Hone Harawira, Leader
Conservative Party
Colin Craig, Leader
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[1] Statistics New Zealand, 2012
[2] Galaxy Research for New Zealand Companion Animal Council, 2011
[3] Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (now Ministry for Primary Industries), 2011