Labour- Positive for Factory Farmed Animals
Chickens in cages and pigs in crates will be clucking and oinking for joy today, after the Labour Party’s commitment to
end intensive farming. Today, SAFE received Labour’s new Animal Rights policy which aims to stop the cruel incarceration
of millions of factory farmed animals.
SAFE has campaigned for years for New Zealand to be a world leader on animal welfare. With this policy, that can become
a reality, and New Zealand can be the first in the world to end all factory farming, says SAFE Executive Director Hans
Kriek.
“The majority of New Zealanders oppose factory farming, and after the recent exposure of the treatment of pigs on
factory farms, opposition to factory farming is higher than ever. It is great to see that Labour has listened to public
opinion and is taking action for the animals.”
The Labour Party joins other parties with a policy against factory farming, including the Greens, Internet/Mana, and the
Maori Party. However, it is the first major party likely to lead a future Government to adopt a policy against factory
farming.
“History really is in the making,” says Mr Kriek. “The writing is on the wall for factory farming industries, and any
sensible investor will stay well clear of factory farms.”
Pork and egg producers will be upset by this policy, says SAFE. The use of cruel pig crates will come to an end and
battery hen cages, including the new colony cage systems will end up on the scrap heap as well. The egg industry
especially, will now have to rethink their future, as cages will no longer be allowed.
ends