Code of Welfare: Sheep and Beef Cattle

The purpose of this Code is to provide information to the owners and persons in charge of sheep and beef cattle about the standards they must achieve in order to meet their obligations under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

This Code encourages all those responsible for sheep and beef cattle to adopt the highest standards of husbandry, care and handling, and to equal or exceed the minimum standards.

Adequately maintaining the welfare of sheep and beef cattle requires experience, training and the observance of high standards.

Background

The Animal Welfare Act 1999 provides for the welfare of animals in New Zealand. It puts obligations on people who own or are in charge of animals to provide for the welfare of their animals.

The Act establishes the fundamental obligations relating to the care of animals and provides for the development and issue of codes of welfare.

Codes of welfare expand on the basic obligations of the Act by setting minimum standards and recommending best practice for the care and management of animals.

This Code of Welfare also references regulations issued under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Regulations are prescribed under the Animal Welfare Act and impose enforceable requirements on owners and persons in charge of animals. For ease of reference, regulations relevant to this Code are set out in an appendix to this Code. Penalties for failure to comply with the regulations are specified in the relevant regulations. The appendix to this Code is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all obligations under the Act or regulatory requirements. Owners and persons in charge of animals are responsible for ensuring that they are aware of and understand all Act and regulatory requirements that are relevant to them.

This Code of Welfare is intended for all persons responsible for the welfare of sheep and beef cattle.

Under the Act the "owner" and every "person in charge" of an animal are responsible for meeting the legal obligations for the welfare of animals under their care.

For many sheep and beef cattle, the owner of the animals places them in the care of others who become the persons in charge, but this does not derogate from their responsibility to ensure that the requirements of the Act and animal welfare regulations are met.

Who should read this code of Welfare? amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

Failure to meet a minimum standard in this Code may be used as evidence to support a prosecution for an offence under the Act. A person who is charged with an offence against the Act can defend him or herself by showing that he or she has equalled or exceeded the minimum standards in this Code.

This Code also includes information and example indicators for each minimum standard. The list of indicators is not exhaustive but is given to provide guidance on ways in which a minimum standard may be met.

Owners and persons in charge of animals are not required to comply with the recommendations for best practice in this Code, but are encouraged to do so to provide higher standards of welfare.

This Code does not provide an exhaustive list of the Act’s requirements, and owners and those in charge of animals should note that they must comply with the minimum standards in this Code, the general provisions of the Act, and any regulations issued under the Act.

Animal Welfare Act 1999 – New Zealand Legislation

Legislative background amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

Other codes of welfare should be consulted where appropriate. Further detail on transport, commercial slaughter, and painful husbandry procedures, e.g., tail docking, castration, disbudding), performed on sheep and beef cattle are covered in other codes of welfare which are referred to throughout this Code.

Codes of animal welfare

Codes of welfare must be accompanied by a report that sets out the deliberations that the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) undertook when developing the codes of welfare including the standards and recommendations for best practice, the nature of any significant differences of opinion during drafting and consultation, and any matters that should be dealt with by regulation. Code reports can be accessed online.

Animal welfare publications, guidelines, and reports

Although efforts to include relevant regulations within this Code have been made, there may be other regulations which are relevant to you. The full list of all animal welfare regulations should be consulted where appropriate.

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018 – New Zealand Legislation

1.1 Application

This Code of Welfare applies to all persons responsible for the welfare of sheep and beef cattle.

This Code applies to all sheep and beef cattle which are farmed principally for their meat, fibre and/or offspring rather than their milk. This includes those sheep or cattle of recognised dairy breeds, reared and farmed for meat production.

1.2 Interpretation and definitions

Refer to Schedule I: Interpretation and definitions.

Introduction

Stockmanship and animal handling cover a wide range of skills and personal qualities. These include knowledge of animal needs, an understanding of the husbandry system and the skills to operate within it, a rapport with animals, an ability to observe them and interpret behaviours, as well as skill in the practical aspects of handling, care and manipulation of animals.

2.1 Stockmanship

Introduction

The care of animals requires competence, experience and the observance of high standards of animal husbandry. The importance of good stockmanship cannot be over-emphasised. It is based on empathy with and proper care of the animals in the particular husbandry system along with knowledge of the constraints and opportunities provided by the local physical and climatic environment.

Individuals’ knowledge and experience of livestock and their needs, local climates and weather patterns, topography and shelter, as well as management practices remain one of the prime means of ensuring that the welfare of sheep and beef cattle is maintained and enhanced.

Those responsible for the care of animals should be competent in the care of animals and understand how their actions can affect animal health and welfare. Knowledge of the normal appearance and behaviour of sheep and beef cattle is crucial. It is essential to be able to recognise early signs of distress or ill-health so that prompt remedial action is taken or advice sought.

General information

Indicators that could demonstrate that this minimum standard has been complied with include:

• Staff are trained on the job by supervisors who have competence in the husbandry of the animals within the particular locale and circumstances.
• Stock handlers, owners and persons in charge of animals keep up to date with developments in animal husbandry designed to maintain or improve animal welfare. They also review existing systems and practices regularly to ensure that they are both necessary (justified) and whether there is scope for improvement.
• Accurate records are kept of the history and treatment of animals.

Good stockmanship, appropriate care and timely intervention can lead to positive outcomes for animal behaviour, health, welfare and production. The personal qualities of a good stockhandler include:

• knowledge of the animal’s normal (and abnormal) behaviour and needs
• ability to recognise signs of good and poor animal health, disease and injury
• the ability to anticipate and/or recognise problems early
• a calm, efficient and competent approach
• knowing when to intervene and when to seek assistance
• working to optimise management systems, including for the benefit of animal welfare
• knowledge of and ability to identify the appropriate animals for a particular husbandry system.

More formal education-based training is a useful complement to practical experience. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority lists a number of training qualifications for stockhandlers. Information on animal handling standards and accredited training providers is available from the Agriculture Industry Training Organisation, PO Box 10 383, Wellington 6143 or from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) .

2.2 Animal handling

Introduction

Competent handling of sheep and beef cattle is essential for their proper husbandry. Distress and risk to both the animals and their handlers are decreased when good handling practices are followed.

Grazing animals, such as sheep and beef cattle, are prey species and fear motivates them to escape from perceived danger. Reducing fear by keeping an animal calm makes it is easier to handle. Careful and quiet handling will help improve animal welfare and productivity, reduce ill-health and risk of injury, and result in animals settling down and resuming normal behaviour (e.g. feeding) more quickly after handling.

Badly handled animals are less productive and the associated stresses are detrimental to immune, reproductive and rumen functions. Inappropriate handling may lead to metabolic diseases such as sleepy sickness (pregnancy toxaemia) and milk fever (hypocalcaemia) and can predispose an animal to injuries and infectious diseases.

The first time an animal is handled is important in determining its subsequent responses – quiet and calm procedures reduce the stress caused by fearful experiences, the results of which are difficult to eliminate. Training, adapting, conditioning or habituating animals to handling (e.g. walking quietly among livestock, introducing them to new situations), especially if undertaken gradually and for short periods, may reduce fear and improve the efficiency and safety of handling, and tolerance of new situations.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 48: Use of electric prodders
• Regulation 49: Prodding animals in sensitive areas
• Regulation 58F: Ringing and wiring noses of cattle beasts

Introduction amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

Recommended best practice

1. When encouraging animals to move, audible or visual measures (e.g. rattles, plastic bags, stones in a container) should be preferred to devices which rely on physical contact (e.g. waddys, alkathene hoses, stock whips, stock canes, and sticks).
2. The flow of animals should be monitored, and if necessary controlled, at gateways, in narrow laneways and corners, or at other pressure points so as to ensure animals, especially young animals unaccustomed to yarding, are not injured, trampled or smothered.
3. Sheep and beef cattle should be allowed a period of 20-30 minutes to calm down after mustering to ensure easier and safer handling and to reduce fear.
4. Time spent in the yards should be kept as short as possible.
5. Animals in pens or yards should not be overcrowded, but allowed to be able to move away from handlers or other animals, because crowding is likely to contribute to distress and injury.
6. Care should be taken not to induce sudden fear or panic in animals in confined spaces such as in pens, corners and gateways, because flight might increase the risk of injury.
7. If problems of aggressive behaviour occur, the animals should be separated into compatible groups.
8. Groups of horned and polled cattle, bulls and cows, and calves and unfamiliar older cattle should be held in separate pens when yarded.
9. Tails should not be lifted or twisted.
10. Sheep should not be dragged or lifted by the wool or horns.
11. Sheep should not be held on their side or back for more than a few minutes at a time especially if the rumen is full or if they are heavily pregnant.
12. Vehicles should not be used to push animals physically.
13. When dogs are used, they should be under control at all times.
14. Electric prodders should not be used to move cattle other than stubborn or recalcitrant cattle.
15. Electric prodders should not be applied to cattle for more than one second at any one time. If the desired effect is not achieved after 4 or 5 attempts, their use should be discontinued.

General Information

Human-animal interactions can be enhanced by improving handling procedures and facilities, improving animal reactions to humans by selecting appropriate animals for the husbandry system and getting them used to human contact, and attending to the skill and training of the handlers.

Knowledge of animals’ flight (or safety) zone, and the point of balance (the line through the animal’s shoulders which determines whether the animal will move forwards or backwards in the presence of a handler) will help with moving animals and in reducing fear. Animals may become fearful and agitated when people invade this zone and the animal is confined or unable to move away. The size of the flight zone depends on an animal’s genetics, its previous experience with people, and the quality of those experiences (i.e. whether negative or positive).

Sheep and cattle have sensitive hearing and vision that is sensitive to rapid movement and high contrasts (e.g. shadows). Nervous, agitated or excited animals are more aware of small changes in their environment. Handling procedures should be carried out slowly and calmly, with stock handlers speaking softly in a low tone of voice.

Tame and fearless animals, those which associate more with people than other animals, those reared in isolation, or breeding males can be less fearful and more aggressive and thus should be handled carefully.

2.3 Mustering and Droving

Introduction

Mustering and droving of sheep and beef cattle are essential for their husbandry. While the handler relies on the animals’ wariness of dogs and humans, his or her skill lies in understanding the behaviour of the animals and adapting their behaviour (and that of any dogs) in such a way as to facilitate mustering whilst minimising stress to the animals. Mustering and droving of sheep and beef cattle are best undertaken both slowly and quietly.

General Information

Indicators that could demonstrate that this minimum standard has been complied with include:

• The pace of mustering or droving is that of the slowest animals in the mob, with particular attention given to lambs and calves, and those with illness or injury.
• On rough, uneven surfaces and difficult or steep terrain, stock are moved according to the distance and terrain to be covered, ambient temperature, and the mobility of any lame, sick or young animals.
• Mustering or droving in hot conditions has been avoided.
• Cattle and sheep being driven long distances on consecutive days have adequate opportunity for feeding and resting.
• Indications of being moved too quickly i.e. laboured breathing or panting, especially with the tongue extended, are not seen or at the least when seen the animals are then rested or allowed to slow down.
• After mustering or droving, animals are provided with suitable conditions and time to enable settling down, mothering up or shelter seeking before the onset of darkness.

2.4 Restraint and Facilities

Introduction

Facilities such as yards, races, crushes, loading ramps and head bails need to be adapted to suit the animals and the husbandry system. Properly managed facilities and restraint systems can greatly facilitate the undertaking of husbandry procedures resulting in reduced risk of injury and distress to animals and stock handlers.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 47: Collars and tethers

Minimum Standard No. 4(d) replaced on 9 May 2021 by regulation 25(2) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020

Note: NAWAC has recommended that all electroimmobilisation devices be declared restricted devices under section 32 of the Act.

Recommended best practice

1. Yard, shed and raceway design should enable free flow of animals.
2. Yard and shed flooring surfaces should be constructed of material that minimises animals slipping.
3. The use of dusty yards should be avoided when livestock are predisposed to stress and ill-health (e.g. lambs susceptible to pneumonia).
4. Fences should be designed, maintained and used so that contact with them does not cause excessive pain or distress.
5. Electroimmobilisation devices should not be used on animals other than adult cattle.

General information

Generally sheep should be restrained by means of an arm under the neck and an arm around the rump. Propping the sheep on its rump so that it leans back on the handler’s leg is a convenient method of restraint for many quick procedures such as foot trimming and shearing.

Electroimmobilisation devices do not block pain and may be aversive to animals.

Introduction

Sheep and beef cattle need daily food and water in adequate quantities and containing sufficient nutrients to meet their requirements for good health and welfare. A good diet provides the animal with sufficient energy and nutrients for metabolic and behavioural needs and does not harm the animal.

When considering the amount of food, nutrients and water animals require, a number of different factors need to be taken into account e.g. age, physiological state (growing, pregnant, lactating), and weather.

These factors, along with variation in requirements among individual animals, mean there is considerable variation in feeding practices in pastoral farming systems. Feed requirements vary throughout the year, but are generally greatest during lactation, late pregnancy, growth and during periods of excessive cold (especially after sheep are shorn). Requirements are best determined by monitoring body condition and liveweight.

Pasture generally provides a balanced diet though supplements may be required during periods of deficit. Similarly, trace elements (e.g. cobalt, selenium) may be required when soils and pasture are deficient.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 9: Maximum time young calves may be off feed before slaughter

Recommended best practice

1. Animals in ill health or poor condition, or in late pregnancy or early lactation, should not be deprived of food or water.
2. If animals are to be given feeds to which they are not accustomed (e.g. supplementary feeds and crops), they should be gradually introduced to those feeds to enable them to adapt and to prevent digestive problems associated with the change of diet (e.g. lactic acidosis or grain overload). Animals should be closely monitored during any change in feed.
3. Mould-contaminated or excessively dusty supplementary feeds should not be fed to livestock.
4. Care should be taken to ensure animals, particularly in late pregnancy, do not overfeed. Overfeeding resulting in a full rumen can contribute to difficult births and, in sheep in full wool, a greater risk of becoming cast.
5. The Body Condition Score (BCS) of all adult sheep should be between 3 and 4 at all times (on a scale of 0–5) (see Schedule II – Body Condition Scoring for Sheep).
6. The Body Condition Score (BCS) of all adult beef cattle should be between 3 and 4 at all times (on a scale of 0 – 5) (see Schedule III – Body Condition Scoring for Beef Cattle).
7. Automated food delivery and water reticulation systems without any storage capacity or other backup supply systems should be checked daily to ensure that they are in working order and any problems promptly rectified.
8. In controlled grazing systems where feed is rationed (e.g. break feeding, rotational grazing, and techno-systems) the amount of feed available on each area should be sufficient to meet the needs of all the animals during the time that they are on that area or the break.
9. There should be enough reserve feed to allow more frequent shifts if it is very wet and the fodder to be grazed becomes trampled and muddy.

General Information

In controlled grazing systems where feed is rationed (e.g. break feeding, rotational grazing, and techno- systems) the available pasture or crop is subdivided into small areas or breaks for grazing at relatively high stocking rates. This is managed by frequent shifts to fresh pasture or crops, often on a daily basis, and often behind temporary or electric fences. These grazing systems are often used to reduce pasture wastage and optimise animal intake and growth.

Water requirements are greater during lactation, hot weather and when feeds with high dry matter content are provided. Conversely, less water is required in cold weather and when food is very wet (e.g. fresh grass or grass silage).

Water contaminants (faeces, algae, pathogens, parasites, and excessive salinity, minerals and nutrients) can lead to livestock refusing to drink, reducing appetite, production and fertility, or even causing death.

Introduction

The relationship between an animal and its environment is crucial to its welfare. Most sheep and beef cattle are required to cope with regularly changing climatic conditions and, occasionally, with more severe and extreme events. Persons in charge of animals have a fundamental obligation to ensure that animals in their care have adequate shelter or protection commensurate with their species, environment and circumstances.

New Zealand’s temperate climate generally provides good conditions for sheep and beef cattle. However, extremes such as droughts, storms, floods, heavy rain and snow, strong winds, and even abnormal seasonal and daily changes in winter and summer, have implications for animal welfare.

Adverse events can affect the welfare of fit and normal livestock, but have a greater impact on those more vulnerable because of their age (e.g. newborn lambs and calves) or condition (e.g. newly-shorn sheep, animals suffering illness or disease). Severe or prolonged adverse weather conditions can also affect animal health, production and reproduction, as well as result in increased mortality.

Animals have a range of responses to cope with climatic conditions. Typically, warm conditions result in an increase in blood circulation through the skin, sweating and/or panting, postural changes such as lying down, increased water consumption and behavioural changes such as seeking shade during the warm part of the day and grazing during the night or during dawn and dusk. If the heat load continues to rise, animals will progress to open-mouth panting, and when severe their tongues will be extended. If relief cannot be achieved, core body temperature rises (hyperthermia) and they may die.

Mechanisms that help to retain or produce heat in cold conditions include reducing skin circulation, increasing metabolic rate and shivering, and postural and behavioural changes such as hunching up, facing away from the wind, or seeking shelter. Where animals are exposed to cold conditions with which they cannot cope, their core body temperature drops below the normal range (hypothermia). As hypothermia progresses, animals become depressed and listless and may die. Such depression and listlessness indicate the need for urgent intervention.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 10: Shelter requirements for young calves before transportation and at points of sale or slaughter
• Regulation 36: Shelter requirements for young calves during transportation

Recommended best practice

General shelter

1. Activities such as mustering, prolonged yarding and transportation should be avoided in hot, sunny and humid conditions likely to result in heat stress.
2. Sheep and beef cattle should have access to areas free of surface water and excessive mud at all times, particularly where conditions can become very muddy such as on crops or small areas of pasture during wet weather.
3. Good shelter should be provided once young animals move from rearing houses to pasture and, if necessary, animals should be moved back to the rearing house in adverse weather conditions.

Storms, floods and droughts

1. Many districts are prone to heavy and unseasonal rainfall and winter snowstorms, flooding and droughts which can cause livestock discomfort, distress and deaths. In these districts owners or persons in charge of sheep and beef cattle should:
   1. have contingency plans and make and implement decisions (such as destocking) at an early date
   2. monitor weather forecasts and take heed of severe weather warnings
   3. ensure ready access to livestock by keeping tracks clear
   4. ensure threatened livestock have access to and, if necessary, can be and are moved quickly to safer terrain (e.g. higher ground in floods, lower or sheltered terrain in snowstorms)
   5. ensure emergency feed reserves are or will be available promptly to animals
   6. ensure that provision is made for continued supply of water (i.e. from bore or dam, or from sources beyond the farm)
   7. sell or slaughter early those animals which cannot be, or probably cannot be, provided with adequate feed and water
   8. accustom livestock to eating alternative sources of food likely to be offered in severe weather or during periods of feed shortage
   9. seek advice from veterinarians, local authorities, MPI, Federated Farmers, Rural Support Trusts or agricultural consultants
   10. seek advice from local farmers with greater experience of local conditions.

General Information

There are 2 general approaches to preventing heat or cold stress. Firstly ensuring that the animal is suited to cope with its environment – it must have the necessary traits to adapt to changes. Achieving this includes:

• selecting genotypes, strains or breeds of animals that are most suited to the local conditions and farming system
• ensuring that animals have the opportunity to acclimatise to their habitat or local environment before they are exposed to the risk of particularly adverse conditions
• ensuring that animals are fit and in good condition and therefore less vulnerable to ill-health and disease, and addressing any animal health issues that do arise.

Secondly ensuring that the physical environment provides the resources (e.g. food and water) and conditions (e.g. shelter, shade) in order for the animal to be able to cope. This is done by:

• ensuring the environment provides the animal with the opportunity for, or access to, shelter and/or shade afforded by vegetation (e.g. scrub, tussocks, trees, shelter belts, rushes), topography (e.g. rocks, ridges, gullies), or artificial structures (e.g. covers, windbreaks and shade cloths, housing)
• ensuring that livestock are in good physical condition enabling them to withstand climatic stresses, and/or providing additional feed and water to enable them to do so
• considering the effect that the diet has on the animal’s ability to deal with climatic stresses e.g. roughage results in additional heat production during rumination thus exacerbating thermal stress in hot environments, or relieving it in cold
• mitigating the environmental factors causing stress
• having contingency plans to reduce the welfare impacts of heavy rainfall and flooding, unseasonal storms, and droughts, and to enhance recovery from them.

When signs of photosensitivity are present, and after shearing, there is a greater requirement for shade. Cold stress is exacerbated by wind and rain; young and newborn animals are particularly at risk.

In some snow storms, wind can result in snow drifts in the lee of any shelter thus trapping livestock, especially sheep. However, sheep in good condition can survive for several days and can often be detected by looking for ventilation holes created by their breath, or by snow raking.

Further information on preparing for emergencies and adverse events may be obtained by referring to the MPI website.

Adverse events

Beef+Lamb New Zealand

Introduction

Most sheep and beef cattle are farmed in extensive systems allowing them the opportunity to display normal patterns of behaviour. In situations such as mustering and yarding, behaviour is usually restricted for only short periods of time. Other restrictions may require the animals to adapt e.g. separation of dam and offspring at weaning, and the relative confinement of some rotational and intensive systems especially feedlots.

Understanding the behavioural principles and requirements of sheep and beef cattle is essential for maintaining and enhancing their welfare and for efficient animal husbandry. Deviations from normal behaviour such as those that may occur at high stock densities, when different social groups are mixed or split, when animals are confined or restrained, or kept without companions, can cause stress. If prolonged and severe, distress and compromised health, welfare and production can result. Conversely, provision of an environment allowing normal behaviour (e.g. the freedom to choose food, find shelter and interact with companions) will help to ensure good welfare.

Adverse physical conditions that influence an animal’s behaviour can, if severe and prolonged, cause distress. Examples include animals deprived by wet weather of acceptable surfaces on which to lie down, or those prevented from attaining a sense of isolation when giving birth.

Abnormal behaviour is often a sign of animals being unable to cope, or having difficulty in coping, with restrictions. Examples include:

• a series of repetitive movements with no obvious function (stereotypic behaviour)
• changes in the normal pattern and/or time spent undertaking specific behaviours e.g. increased aggression
• symptoms such as a lack of interest in feed or water, slow and lagging behind, lethargic or depressed, excessive time lying down and reluctance to move, restlessness, anxiety, abnormal appetite, vocalization, or rapid breathing.

Recommended best practice

1. Sheep and beef cattle should have sufficient space to enable them to behave and interact normally without excessive aggression.
2. Sheep and beef cattle should have company of their own kind.
3. Sheep and beef cattle should be kept in reasonably stable social groupings. Mixing groups of unfamiliar animals, or introducing new animals to a stable social group, should only occur when necessary, with plenty of space and under careful observation to minimise stress or injury.
4. Sheep and beef cattle should be given the opportunity to graze.

General information

Sheep and beef cattle usually form stable social hierarchies within flocks and herds. These contribute to their sense of security or well-being. Apart from exceptional circumstances (e.g. pet lambs and calves raised by themselves, or dams seeking isolation for birth) animals prefer the company of their own kind. Sheep especially are very social animals requiring the presence or maintenance of a visual link with others. Cattle and especially sheep, show a marked flight reaction to disturbance by grouping or mobbing up and showing ‘follower’ behaviour.

Introduction

Knowledge of the appearance and behaviour of healthy animals, and an awareness of the common diseases affecting sheep and/or beef cattle, are essential in being able to recognise signs of illness, disease or injury.

Injury and disease can contribute to poor animal welfare by causing discomfort, distress and/or pain. Injury and disease can also affect growth, reproduction and production.

Preventative measures include good facilities, an animal health programme, selection of stock with disease resistance traits (or culling of susceptible animals), good feeding (including avoiding trace element deficiencies), good stock management and an understanding of the animal’s needs.

Animal health programmes need to include disease prevention strategies. Regular surveillance and early identification of ill-health in livestock is crucial for successful diagnosis and treatment.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 5: Cattle beasts with ingrown horns
• Regulation 28: Sheep with ingrown horns

Recommended best practice

1. A documented animal health plan should be in place identifying the likely animal health challenges on a property along with a programme for addressing them. This should include a monitoring programme, with regular inspections, which allows early identification of disease and assessment of treatment success.
2. Owners and stockhandlers should keep up-to-date with diseases of livestock and the preventative strategies and remedial treatments available.
3. Care should be taken in the administration of oral solutions and rumen capsules to avoid damage to the mouth and throat by rough or excessive handling or by a nozzle with sharp or rough edges.
4. Veterinary or other professional advice should be sought where there is:
   1. significant injury or disease
   2. persistent or chronic pain
   3. persistent ill-thrift and poor performance that does not respond to treatment
   4. a need to establish an appropriate health plan
   5. concern about the welfare of the animal.
5. The trace element status of soil and pasture and concentrations in the animals should be regularly monitored and as necessary supplements should be provided through fertilizers, the water supply, the provision of salt or multi-mineral blocks, or dosing or injecting of animals.

General information

Animals in good health are generally bright and alert, move freely, actively graze and ruminate, and have no signs of wounds, abscesses or injuries.

Contagious diseases of sheep and beef cattle are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites and are spread by direct contact with infected animals or via the environment, humans or machinery and vehicles, vectors such as possums, and via eating or drinking contaminated or poisonous food or water. Precautions should be taken to avoid and restrict the spread of diseases.

An integrated approach to health and parasite issues is the key to managing them effectively. This requires good pasture and stock management, monitoring techniques, selection of resistant genotypes and strategic use of anthelmintics and other treatments.

When sheep are tail docked, their tails (excluding any wool) should be left long enough to cover the vulva in ewes, and a similar length in rams. In some cases, the tail may need to be docked longer than the distal end of the caudal fold to achieve this.

Veterinarians and other professionals, farm advisers and consultants and producer group organisations are good sources of information when developing animal health plans.

General Information amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

Introduction

Sheep and beef cattle farming involves a range of animal husbandry procedures to maintain and enhance animal health, welfare and production. They include careful selection of animals for breeding and farming, using technologies to increase desirable characteristics and animal production, monitoring and managing animals during critical periods (e.g. during pregnancy and birth), artificially rearing newborn animals and managing them in more intensive systems.

Procedures which cause pain, such as tail docking, castration, disbudding and dehorning, are not discussed below, but are addressed in the Code of Welfare: Painful Husbandry Procedures and the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018.

Additionally, a number of these procedures can be considered Significant Surgical Procedures. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 (the Act) sets criteria for whether a procedure carried out on an animal is a significant surgical procedure. The criteria are set out in Section 16 of the Act.

If any person has to determine whether a procedure carried out on an animal is a significant surgical procedure under this Act, the person must determine the question by considering the following criteria:

1. whether the procedure has the potential to—
   1. cause significant pain or distress; or
   2. cause serious or lasting harm, or loss of function, if not carried out by a veterinarian in accordance with recognised professional standards; and
2. the nature of the procedure, including whether this involves—
   1. a surgical or operative procedure below the surface of the skin, mucous membranes, or teeth or below the gingival margin; or
   2. physical interference with sensitive soft tissue or bone structure; or
   3. significant loss of tissue or loss of significant tissue.

Only a veterinarian, or a person who is acting under the direct supervision of a veterinarian and who is a student undergoing his or her training to become a veterinarian, are able to perform a significant surgical procedure, unless a regulation says otherwise.

For all animal welfare regulations, see Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018 .

Note that not all of the surgical procedures included within these regulations meet the criteria of a significant surgical procedure, some have been regulated for clarity only.

See also the summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 50: Docking cattle beasts’ tails
• Regulation 52A: Docking sheep’s tails
• Regulation 53: Castrating cattle beasts and sheep
• Regulation 55B: Uterine or vaginal prolapse in sheep
• Regulation 55C: Vaginal prolapse in cattle beasts
• Regulation 55F: Removing sheep’s teats
• Regulation 55H: Removing cattle beasts’ teats
• Regulation 55I: Occlusion of cattle beats’ teats
• Regulation 55K: Freeze branding cattle beasts or equids
• Regulation 55L: Prohibition on hot branding of animals generally
• Regulation 56D: Cutting teeth of animals
• Regulation 57: Disbudding cattle beasts
• Regulation 57A: Disbudding sheep
• Regulation 58: Dehorning cattle beasts
• Regulation 58B: Dehorning sheep
• Regulation 58F: Ringing and wiring noses of cattle beasts.
• Regulation 59A: Surgical reproductive procedures
• Regulation 59B: Transcervical insemination
• Regulation 59E: Epidurals

Introduction amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

7.1. Selection and breeding

Introduction

Selection of animals with desirable traits and culling those with deleterious ones is one of the foundations of animal husbandry. Selection objectives are inevitably a balance or compromise among animal traits and the ability of husbandry techniques to overcome any compromises. Increased production efficiency can be associated with a risk of behavioural, physiological and immunological problems and therefore compromises to animal welfare.

Recommended best practice

1. Selection practice should not include selection for increased productivity (e.g. increasing growth rate, fecundity) if it is known or thought to unreasonably compromise animal health or welfare.
2. Selection policies resulting in significant routine compromises to animal welfare (e.g. increased need for caesarean sections) should be avoided.
3. The animal welfare impacts of animal selection and breeding objectives should be monitored for favourable and unfavourable consequences, and the results incorporated into future objectives.
4. Selection for resistance to diseases should complement but not replace other means of ensuring animals are healthy (e.g. providing good nutrition to enable animals to mount good immune responses to pathogens).
5. To minimise the risk of dystocia and other health problems, the selection of sires for breeding (either natural or by artificial insemination) should take into account factors such as the dam’s breed, size, age, and the sire’s birthweight and birthing ease genetics, and the likely size of the offspring relative to the dam. This is especially important when hoggets or yearling heifers are mated before they have reached mature live weights.
6. Hoggets and heifers selected to be mated should be well grown, fed to allow for continued growth as well as pregnancy and carefully supervised around the time they give birth.
7. Animals, particularly males that are likely to lose condition during mating, should be healthy and in good condition (i.e. condition score 3 or more) at the start of the breeding season.

General information

The susceptibility to many diseases may be partly hereditary and can therefore be reduced by selective breeding. This has the potential to enhance the welfare of sheep and beef cattle through reducing disease and therefore the need for mustering and yarding for preventive treatments and remedies, while maintaining productivity.

Successfully implementing a policy for mating yearling hoggets and heifers depends on them being well- grown and having sufficient feed available for lambing/calving, lactation and subsequent breeding. At lambing and calving, dams should not be too fat (i.e. above condition score 4) as this can contribute to difficult births. During lactation, feed requirements need to take into account that the dam is still growing, as well as providing for the lamb or calf.

7.1.1 Testing to aid selection and breeding

Introduction

The selection of animals for breeding has sometimes included testing for their likely performance. This can take the form of exposing some animals to pathogens and selecting those individuals displaying resistance to the disease (e.g. facial eczema and footrot). It can also involve assessing the soundness of breeding animals to ensure that they are fit for successful mating.

Recommended best practice

1. Animals treated with sporodesmin toxin to assess their susceptibility to facial eczema are sensitive to sunlight and should be tested indoors or given access to shade; and the clinical disease should not be induced.
2. The reasons for and conduct of mating ability tests in bulls should be in accordance with recommended standards (see for example Parkinson and Bruere 2007. Evaluation of bulls for breeding soundness. Foundation for Continuing Education Publication No. 262, Massey University, Palmerston North).
3. The serving ability of bulls in yard tests should only be undertaken if the bull or line of bulls is suspected of being inferior.
4. The welfare of mount animals is of paramount importance. Mount animals should be of an appropriate size for the bulls being tested, mildly sedated before being restrained, adequately lubricated and the number of services should be minimised.

General information

Breeding for resistance to some diseases may require the disease to express itself in animals. For example, selecting rams for resistance to facial eczema involves dosing with a specified amount of sporodesmin and measuring its effect on the liver by blood tests. Similarly, selecting sheep with resistance to footrot can involve holding them in a feedlot-like situation where susceptible animals readily show the disease.

The mating ability of bulls can be determined by assessing physical (e.g. scrotal circumference, semen examination) and behavioural soundness (e.g. locomotion and libido). The mating ability of bulls is assessed by observing mounting and serving and is designed to detect animals with pathological defects preventing mating. Libido testing of bulls by determining the number of times cows are served in a specified period has been shown to bear no relationship to fertility and is now rarely used.

7.1.2 Reproductive technologies

Introduction

In addition to selecting animals with desirable genotypes, there are a number of established and developing technologies being used to facilitate genetic gains and better manage animals.

See the summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 59A: Surgical reproductive procedures
• Regulation 59B: Transcervical insemination

Introduction amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

Minimum Standard No. 9 replaced on 9 May 2021 by regulation 25(2) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020

Recommended best practice

1. Less invasive procedures (e.g. semen collection using an artificial vagina) should be used in preference to more invasive ones (e.g. semen collection by electro-ejaculation).
2. Any procedure used to alter the pattern of seasonal breeding, or to increase fecundity, should only be used where the extra requirements to ensure good welfare (feed, farm labour, shelter and other inputs required before and after the animal gives birth) have been thoroughly assessed and are able to be provided.

General information

Increasing fecundity means that animals may require more feed during the latter stages of pregnancy, gestation length may be shorter, there may be a higher level of malpresentations or difficult births (and losses if assistance is not provided), and poorer bonding between dam and offspring. These factors mean increased supervision is necessary to ensure newborn animals receive colostrum and survive.

Pregnancy testing by ultrasonic scanning or rectal palpation (cattle only) allows pregnant ewes and cows, especially those carrying more than one lamb or calf, or those giving birth earlier in the season, to be identified and separated for preferential treatment (e.g. extra feeding in late gestation).

7.2 Lambing and calving

Introduction

Giving birth can be a challenging event for the dam, offspring and stockhandler, and, especially in sheep, can be associated with significant livestock mortality. Potential compromises to animal welfare at this time reflect a combination of factors as diverse as feeding levels during pregnancy, disturbance from other animals and humans, predisposition to dystocia, breed, weather and inadequate shelter.

Stockhandlers have to balance the natural tendencies of most animals to give birth undisturbed and often in isolation, with any requirements to assist with difficult births and tend to moribund animals.

Many strategies, from traditional intensive shepherding to minimal shepherding and easy-care lambing, have been developed to ensure that animals have an easy birth, are protected from environmental extremes, and allowed the opportunity to develop exclusive mother-offspring bonds in the period immediately after birth. The characteristics and advantages and disadvantages of these different systems vary, reflecting differences in environment, climate, breed, stocking density, and shepherding skills and expectations.

The major contributing factors and causes of mortality in newborn animals are hypothermia, either from exposure to cold or from impaired heat production (the result of, for example, a small placenta during pregnancy, or of a difficult birth); starvation (the result of maternal underfeeding or mismothering); infection; injuries and predation. As much as possible those in charge of the animals need to take actions to reduce the risks of such mortality.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 7: Use of traction in calving
• Regulation 29: Use of traction in lambing
• Regulation 55B: Uterine or vaginal prolapse in sheep
• Regulation 55C: Vaginal prolapse in cattle beasts

Introduction amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

Recommended best practice

1. In extensive systems, where animals are unaccustomed to daily supervision, breeds or strains suited to easy births and good maternal care should be used. In more intensive systems, where animals are well habituated to the presence of humans and management activities, assistance should be provided to animals experiencing difficulties without unduly disturbing others giving birth in the vicinity.
2. Lambing and calving paddocks should be chosen to mitigate animal welfare challenges such as adverse weather or natural hazards.
3. Lambing and calving sites should be disturbed as little as possible.
4. Where high numbers of multiple births are expected, ewes with 2 or more lambs should be identified at scanning, and priority given to those animals' supervision, feeding, shelter and management from the last 6 weeks of pregnancy through lambing.
5. If a dam is unlikely to successfully raise one or more of her offspring, the offspring should be fostered onto other dams if possible, hand-reared or killed humanely.
6. Shepherding strategies should be chosen to suit the sheep, the farm conditions and the ability of the shepherds.
7. Body condition score of ewes at lambing should be at least 3, and no more than 4 (on a scale of 0–5), to minimise lambing and metabolic problems.
8. Body condition score of beef cows at calving should be at least 3 for a cow and 3.5 for a heifer and no more than 4 for either (on a scale of 0–5), to minimise calving and metabolic problems.

General information

The intensity of supervision during lambing and calving should reflect both how well the animals are habituated to human presence and handling, and the risk of difficult births and other problems requiring assistance. Genetic selection, use of appropriate sires (for lambing/ calving ease and birth weight) and keeping dams in good condition (not too thin and not too fat) is crucial for a good birth and bonding of dam and offspring. Unnecessary disturbance and interference may disrupt and prolong birth, increasing the risk of dystocia, mismothering and neonatal deaths, and can be minimised by keeping stocking rates low and by keeping dogs under strict control.

Nutrition during pregnancy is especially important. Feeding well in early and mid-pregnancy ensures good placental development and therefore good birthweight and survival. Appropriate feeding in late pregnancy minimises the risk of metabolic disorders (e.g. milk fever and sleepy sickness or pregnancy toxaemia) and promotes udder development, thus ensuring adequate colostrum and milk production.

Lambing

Heavily pregnant sheep in full wool are especially liable to become cast, particularly on flat country. Cast sheep become distressed and can die within a short time if not returned to their feet. When righted they need to be supported until they regain their strength and balance.

Bearings are most common just before lambing. Although the relationships between some of the causes have yet to be clearly established, the risk increases with higher foetal numbers, paddock slope near lambing and the ewe having had a previous bearing. Other factors which may predispose ewes to bearings may include bulky, low quality feed during pregnancy, milk fever, a rapid change in feed quantity or quality and lack of exercise.

Small lambs, particularly multiples, have lower body temperatures at birth and higher surface area to volume ratios. As they lose heat faster than larger lambs, they have a greater requirement for shelter.

Calving

The risks of milk fever, calving difficulties and poor milk production are increased in beef cows that are overweight. Animals with poor body condition at calving may be unable to produce sufficient milk. Bearings in beef cows are more common after rather than before calving.

General Information amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

7.3 Artificial rearing

Introduction

There are a number of artificial rearing techniques. These include: bottle and bucket feeding of orphaned lambs and calves and fostering onto nurse animals.

Lambs and calves selected for artificial rearing may be distressed; they may have had difficult births, been abandoned or transported; and they may well have received insufficient colostrum. Such animals are

susceptible to diseases and ill-health and therefore require vigilance and high quality management, correct feeding, good housing, hygiene and disease prevention and remediation.

7.3.1 Colostrum and general health

Introduction

Colostrum is high in antibodies and its timely ingestion and absorption helps to protect newborn animals from infections. It is also an important source of nutrients, containing lactose (milk sugar), minerals, vitamins, fats and proteins. Colostrum is not only important for immunity but also for gastrointestinal function, as it helps newborn animals absorb their food better and improves their chance of surviving and growing well. The best colostrum is obtained from the first milk or milking of the ewe or cow after birth. Subsequent milk or milkings provide lower concentrations of antibodies.

Recommended best practice

1. When orphan animals are anticipated, a supply of colostrum should be available.
2. Every lamb or calf should receive colostrum, preferably from its dam or from another dam, as soon as possible after birth and within the first 6 hours.
3. Colostrum should be fed for the first 4 days of an animal’s life, and ideally for a longer period, as it also provides local immunity in the gut.
4. Colostrum, milk or milk replacer should be fed at the rate of 150 to 250 ml per kg body weight for lambs and 10 - 12% of bodyweight per day for calves (i.e. about 2 – 4 litres per day), during the first week after birth, preferably divided into at least 2 feeds per day.
5. When feeding lambs and calves by stomach tube, care should be taken to avoid insertion of the tube into the windpipe. Stomach tubing of neonates should be carried out by or under the supervision of people skilled in the technique.
6. If any animal to be penned for fostering or artificial rearing is less than a few days old or with a non-healed navel it should have its navel sprayed with disinfectant to prevent bacterial infection.

General Information

Calves and lambs have an undeveloped rumen for the first few weeks of their life with milk bypassing the rumen to the stomach. It is therefore important to provide good quality milk or milk replacer (fed according to the manufacturer’s instructions) until the rumen develops and the animal can digest solid foods.

Grass and hay aid in the development of the rumen (as well as helping to prevent feeding related disorders such as acidosis). Similarly, concentrate feed or meal enhances rumen development as the products of fermentation stimulate the development of rumen papillae.

Healthy lambs and calves have a moist and cool nose clear of discharges, are alert and have responsive ears, a good appetite and a temperature of around 38oC. The first sign of ill-health in artificially reared lambs and calves is usually scouring attributable most often to:

• stress resulting from a difficult birth, bad weather or poor transport
• overfeeding or a rapid change from colostrum or milk to a milk replacer diet
• infection (viral, bacterial or protozoan), especially in animals with inadequate immunity because of a lack of colostrum.

Stockhandlers need to be attentive to the possibility of navel infections and respiratory problems. Precautions, such as vaccination, should be taken to minimise the risk of clostridial infections.

7.3.2 Fostering and artificial rearing

Introduction

Dams vary in their willingness to accept offspring other than their own. There are several methods designed to help promote successful fostering. They include:

• restraining the dam at regular intervals in a small yard, stall, race or headbail, or by tethering, and introducing the foster animals
• modifying the smell of offspring (e.g. with sprays or where her own offspring has died, its skin) particularly where the recipient mother has had limited opportunity to bond with her own offspring
• linking a foster calf to the dam’s own offspring allowing both calves to suckle at the same time.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 8: Prohibition on killing calves by blunt force to the head
• Regulation 9: Maximum time young calves may be off feed before slaughter
• Regulation 10: Shelter requirements for young calves before transportation and at points of sale or slaughter
• Regulation 33: Ensuring young calves are fit for transport
• Regulation 47: Collars and tethers

Recommended best practice

1. When more than one calf is fostered onto a nurse cow the calves should be of a similar size, and age so that differences in vigour between animals do not contribute to excessive competition for milk. The cow should be able to supply milk for all the calves.
2. In artificial rearing systems, if milk is to be restricted to once-a-day feeding then:
   1. it should be preceded by a period of at least twice-daily feeding with an increasing concentration of milk replacer for a week; and
   2. concentrated feeds or high quality pasture should be provided; and
   3. roughage and fresh water should be available at all times.
3. Liquid feeds should be fed warm, but not above normal body temperature (38.5oC).
4. After a long journey animals should be given an opportunity to settle before feeding with milk. Feeding with electrolytes at the first feeding after transport should be considered.
5. All equipment used to provide milk in artificial rearing systems should be kept clean, and undergo regular and thorough disinfection.
6. Lambs and calves should receive sufficient liquid feed to meet their total nutrient requirements, until at least 4 weeks of age.
7. The transition from milk or milk replacer to pasture should be managed through progressive replacement with more meal or hay to aid development of the rumen, and providing quality pasture.

General information

Lambs and calves will be healthier and more content if fed frequently: 2 or 4 times daily, for the first week of life, thereafter once or twice daily. However, care needs to be taken not to overfeed. To avoid overfeeding slow drinkers can be put together and lighter animals reared separately from heavier ones, or compartment feeders used.

Selection and retention of cows that are more amenable to readily accepting foster calves will make rearing more successful. Nurse cows may be particularly susceptible to sore and cracked teats which need to be treated if they occur. It is important to remember that a cow or ewe’s feed requirements will increase with each additional calf or lamb suckled.

7.4 Weaning

Introduction

Weaning animals from their dams combines a number of factors with the potential to compromise animal welfare – the physical separation of dam and offspring, changing the offspring’s feeding regime and the cessation of milking of the dam. In addition, on some properties weaning is carried out at the same time as other husbandry procedures, which coincides with changes in the environment and diet, mixing of social groups, and transport.

While weaning is stressful, animals generally appear to adapt within a few days without any long-lasting compromises to their health and welfare. In some situations (e.g. when feed quality or quantity is limited) weaning may be advantageous for welfare.

Recommended best practice

1. Lambs and calves should not be weaned from their dams until they have developed the ability to obtain most of their sustenance from pasture or other solids, usually around 6-8 weeks of age.

General information

Weaning can be undertaken abruptly (with dams and off-spring kept out of sight and sound from each other) or progressively (gradually removed from each other but kept in adjacent paddocks). The latter method can result in less distress for livestock, but requires good fences and greater resources.

Gradual changes in feed supply may reduce stress and it may be beneficial to introduce new feeds prior to weaning.

7.5 Animal identification

Introduction

Sheep and beef cattle are usually identified by earmarking (or notching), by ear tagging or less commonly by permanent identification such as freeze branding. These procedures cause pain and the general principles outlined in the Code of Welfare: Painful Husbandry Procedures should be followed.

Some of these methods / techniques / procedures may meet the criteria for a significant surgical procedure. Only a veterinarian, or a person who is acting under the direct supervision of a veterinarian and who is a student undergoing his or her training to become a veterinarian, are able to perform a significant surgical procedure, unless a regulation says otherwise.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 55K: Freeze branding cattle beasts or equids
• Regulation 55L: Prohibition on hot branding of animals generally

Introduction amended on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589

Minimum Standard No. 13(b) replaced on 9 May 2021 by regulation 25(2) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020

Recommended best practice

1. If ear marking is performed, as little as possible and no more than 10% of ear tissue should be removed, using an implement that is clean and sharp.
2. Freeze branding should only be used with pain relief.
3. Care should be taken when applying an eartag to avoid hitting the cartilage ridges or major blood vessels.

7.6 Shearing, dagging and crutching

Introduction

Shearing is an important part of sheep husbandry. Animals need to be handled with care during the procedure and managed well afterwards to reduce the risk and consequences of exposure.

The timing of shearing can be a significant part of animal husbandry. Pre-lamb shearing, usually 4-6 weeks before lambing, can promote lamb survival because (1) the lambs have heavier birthweights and therefore are stronger, and (2) ewes are more likely to seek or use shelter in adverse conditions thereby protecting their lambs. However, if pre-lamb shearing is carried out without providing the necessary extra food and effective shelter, ewes may suffer cold stress and metabolic disease.

Separate parts of the fleece may also be removed to improve animal welfare. Prevention and removal of dags by crutching and dagging around the anus help to reduce discomfort and inflammation of the underlying skin and so reduce the risk of flystrike. Wool growing around the face can be trimmed to prevent vision being obscured, and trimming wool from around the belly, udder and vulva facilitates lambing, suckling and mating.

Recommended best practice

1. Sheep should be shorn as frequently as is necessary to mitigate animal health and welfare concerns. Usually this is at least once a year.
2. In winter in districts subject to very cold weather, in areas where there is minimal natural shelter, or where shearing is undertaken prior to lambing, sheep should be shorn using winter, snow or cover combs, lifters, or blade shears to ensure the sheep retain an insulating layer of wool.
3. Sheep should not be shorn if the forecast is for cold wet weather unless the animals are to be given additional feed after shearing and/or provided with suitable shelter to minimise the risk of exposure.
4. Shearing, dagging and crutching should be carried out skilfully and carefully to prevent shearing cuts, especially those to the teats, vulva and prepuce.
5. Freshly shorn sheep should not be kept in dusty yards for longer than necessary, as shearing cuts may become infected.
6. Provision should be made for extra feed, shade and shelter for sheep after shearing. There should be ready access to covered yards or effective shelter for several weeks after shearing where there is a risk of cold, wet weather.

General information

Sheep are best fasted before shearing as sheep with a full rumen may suffer distress while being shorn. The time off feed should not be for more than a few hours in pregnant ewes.

Newly shorn sheep are especially vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and require more feed than normal for 3 weeks or more after shearing to sustain body temperature and maintain body condition.

Maintenance requirements are usually increased for 6 to 8 weeks after shearing. These effects are more prevalent in winter when shearing increases a sheep’s energy requirements by 50-70% compared to 20-30% in summer and autumn.

7.7 Managing flystrike

Introduction

Sheep can be prone to flystrike (the feeding of blowfly maggots on the flesh) especially in warm and moist conditions and where sheep are daggy, or have wounds. Flystrike can cause pain, distress and extreme suffering through inflammation, infection, reduced appetite and weight loss. Badly affected sheep may die.

In some localities flystrike can occur at any time of year but the period of highest risk is generally summer/early autumn.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 59: Prohibition on mulesing sheep

General information

Measures for preventing and managing flystrike in sheep include:

• frequent inspection of sheep to identify early strike cases
• prevention or early treatment of injured or diseased skin that might attract blowflies, e.g. lumpy wool (dermatophilosis), foot rot and ram fight injuries
• application of insecticide (e.g. dipping, pour-ons) at strategic intervals throughout the period of risk (long-acting insecticides can normally provide up to 12 weeks protection against flystrike). However, stock need to be monitored to ensure treatments remain effective throughout that time
• tail docking
• crutching, dagging, or shearing before and/or during the risk period
• control of pasture to prevent dag formation that can follow access to lush feed
• control of internal parasites that could contribute to faecal soiling of the breech
• grazing sheep on plants containing condensed tannins (e.g. birdsfoot trefoil, sulla); to reduce the incidence of dags and flystrike
• grazing sheep on ryegrass that contain safe endophytes can reduce the incidence of flystrike
• moving sheep to areas which are cool and windy or to relatively high altitude pastures where blowflies are not present or are less active.

7.8 Intensive systems

There are many methods of intensifying sheep and beef cattle production. These include feeding pads, feedlots and housing. They may be employed for a variety of reasons from providing concentrated diets as part of livestock finishing to removing livestock from pasture to prevent pugging and environmental damage during winter.

While the principles of animal husbandry outlined in this Code also apply in these situations (e.g. the provision of shade and shelter), intensive systems require additional skills of stockmanship and management. The environment, including surfaces and flooring, high stock density and the provision of concentrated feeds can create challenges to animal health and welfare, which may compromise the animals or amplify the effect of any existing problem.

While intensive systems can ensure that some of the animals’ needs are more easily or more efficiently met (e.g. the provision of feed or shelter), increased stock density may be associated with restrictions on normal behaviour patterns, increased risk of aggressive interactions between animals and increased risk of transmission of infectious diseases. Frequent monitoring and good stockmanship are therefore required.

7.8.1 Feeding pads

Feeding pads are specially built areas where, to minimise pasture damage animals can be temporarily held and provided with supplementary feed, while being withheld from grazing. Facilities may include a covered area or barn.

Recommended best practice

1. Surfaces should be non-slippery and safe for stock.
2. Feeding pads should be located at sheltered sites with good drainage. They should be designed and constructed with the welfare of the animals in mind, and should take into account the climate, with adequate provision for cleaning, drainage and waste disposal.
3. Stale or spoiled feed should be removed regularly.

General information

Livestock prefer comfortable or soft surfaces (e.g. well-drained woodchip, bark or post-peeling pads) and are reluctant to lie down on slippery and wet surfaces (e.g. concrete, sand or sacrifice paddocks). If harder surfaces are provided lameness, stiffness, abrasions, agitated behaviour and weight loss may result. Pads should be constructed with a base of free-draining material (e.g. soft rock mix and cinder blocks) then covered

by a soft material such as sawdust, bark, or woodchips which can be readily scraped clean and new material applied if it becomes badly soiled or wet.

7.8.2 Feedlots

Introduction

Feedlots are one of the more intensive systems of sheep and beef cattle production, requiring high standards of husbandry and constant surveillance in order to safeguard animal health and welfare.

Recommended best practice

1. Food should be kept in dry and clean troughs, and troughs should be located and managed so as to reduce mud and pugging around them. Fresh feed should be provided regularly and at least once daily.
2. Feedlots should be located at sheltered sites with good drainage. They should be designed and constructed with the welfare of the animals in mind and with a base of free-draining material covered by softer bedding material which can be replaced or replenished if required. They should take into account the climate, with adequate provision for cleaning, drainage and waste disposal.
3. Surfaces should be safe for stock i.e. not slippery. Concrete should be limited to aprons around feed and water troughs, or a bedding area with dry comfortable material should be provided.
4. New arrivals should be grouped according to size, age, and class, and any health treatment needs upon their arrival should be considered e.g. parasite treatment or vaccination programme. They should have access to easily identifiable sources of water and feed and be introduced gradually to concentrates and supplementary rations.
5. Stale or spoiled feed should be removed regularly. Changes to the diet or feed ration should be introduced gradually.
6. Feedlots should have isolation or hospital pens to which sick animals are moved.
7. Excessive build-up of wet manure should be avoided, especially in feeding and watering areas. Where dung and urine or wet weather create slippery and muddy conditions, stock should be shifted to dry pens or the manure removed. Animals should have an area free of wet manure for resting and this area should dry quickly after rain.
8. Consideration should be given to enriching barren environments through the provision of scratching posts or mounds to encourage normal behaviour.
9. Animals about to give birth should not be kept in feedlots.
10. Animals that persist in riding other animals should be removed from their group. Animals that are ridden excessively should be isolated from other animals.
11. Those responsible for the welfare of sheep and beef cattle in feedlots should keep up-to-date with relevant information or maintain regular contact with professionals (e.g. veterinarians, animal scientists) with experience in feedlot nutrition, animal health and welfare, behaviour and handling, and this should be an integral part of the management of the feedlot.
12. Sheep should be provided with sufficient fibre in the diet to prevent wool and pen chewing.

General information

The most common animal welfare issues associated with feedlots are:

• failure to adapt to the feeding regime, and shy-feeders
• eating disorders such as grain overload or acidosis
• heat or cold stress
• wet and muddy conditions associated with poor drainage
• boredom from being held in a relatively barren environment
• animals bullying others, especially cattle riding subordinates.

The appropriate space allowance per animal will vary with the environment, particularly its drainage, group size, age, gender and liveweight, the provision of feed and water, and behaviour of the stock e.g. shy-feeders, aggressive animals.

Before processing new arrivals that have been transported long distances, a period of rest with access to high quality feed and water can be beneficial.

Together with regular individual inspection, keeping records of each pen’s feed consumption, and identifying the cause of any adverse events or deaths, will help to alert stock handlers to the early signs of ill-health or disease, or welfare problems.

Special care needs to be taken with the diet of animals in feedlots, especially where the feed is concentrated. To ensure good health and welfare and keep digestive disorders to a minimum, diets need to be nutritionally balanced, provide sufficient nutrients and roughage, and be palatable. As supplementary feeds are very dry compared with pasture, the continuous provision of drinking water is critical. Keeping food in dry and clean troughs will help stock adapt to changing rations and reduces wastage.

7.8.3  Housing

Introduction

While few sheep and beef cattle are housed routinely in New Zealand, calves sourced from the dairy industry for beef production systems are often kept indoors during rearing, and a small number of sheep are housed to enhance wool quality by ensuring the fleece is kept clean.

Recommended best practice

1. Housing should be constructed with the wellbeing of the animals in mind. It should provide accommodation that is dry, well ventilated and draught free with shelter from prevailing weather.
2. Housing should be constructed and maintained to ensure stress to animals from dust, noise, air temperature and relative humidity is minimised.
3. The bedding area should be well drained and covered with dry material suitable to avoid animal discomfort.
4. Animals penned individually for health reasons should be housed next to others of the same species unless their condition precludes this.
5. Lighting that is sufficient to enable inspection of all animals kept indoors (20–¬50 lux) should be available but should not be so intense as to cause discomfort to the animals.
6. Soiled bedding should not be allowed to accumulate to a level that poses a threat to the health and welfare of the animals.
7. Ammonia levels should not consistently exceed levels of 10 – 15 ppm.

General information

As a guide, a level of 10 –-15 ppm of ammonia in the air can be detected by smell. An ammonia level over 25 ppm may cause eye and nasal irritation in people. In general, if the level of ammonia within a housing facility is uncomfortable for people, it is also uncomfortable for stock. Such levels compromise animal welfare and may predispose stock to respiratory disease and reduced performance.

As a guide 50 lux is sufficient light to read a newspaper at arm’s length.

7.9 Pre-transport Selection and Management

Introduction

Appropriate preparation of animals before transport can help them cope with the stress of transport.

When selecting animals for transport, other industry standards and/or codes for transport need to be considered. Information and requirements that owners need to be aware of when selecting animals for transport can be found in the codes of welfare for transport and commercial slaughter, and the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018.

In cases of doubt about the condition of the animal a veterinarian needs to be consulted. A veterinarian can certify an animal as fit for transport, in which case the appropriate documentation accompanies the animal on its journey.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 9: Maximum time young calves may be off feed before slaughter
• Regulation 10: Shelter requirements for young calves before transportation and at points of sale or slaughter
• Regulation 30: Prevention of injury
• Regulation 31: Transport of animals with horns and antlers
• Regulation 32: Prevention of back-rub
• Regulation 33: Ensuring young calves are fit for transport
• Regulation 34: Maximum duration of transport for young calves
• Regulation 35: Requirements for loading and unloading facilities used with young calves
• Regulation 36: Shelter requirements for young calves during transportation.
• Regulation 37: Prohibition on transporting young calves by sea across Cook Strait
• Regulation 38: Restrictions on transporting animals with ingrown horns
• Regulation 39: Restrictions on transporting animals with injured horns or antlers
• Regulation 40: Restrictions on transporting lame animals
• Regulation 41: Restrictions on transporting animals in late pregnancy
• Regulation 42: Restrictions on transporting animals with injured or diseased udders
• Regulation 43: Restrictions on transporting animals with eye cancer

Recommended best practice

1. Stock handlers should seek veterinary advice before transporting animals with conditions that may deteriorate during transport and result in significant welfare compromise to the animal.
2. Before transportation sheep and beef cattle should be held off green-feed for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours but for no more than 12 hours. Clean water should be available from a familiar source during this time.
3. Pregnant cattle should not be selected for transport in the last 5 weeks before the expected date of calving.
4. Horned cattle and animals known to be aggressive should not be presented for transport.
5. The maximum slope of ramps should not exceed 20° for all animals except calves. The maximum slope of ramps should not exceed 12° for calves.
6. Dogs should be under control at all times and should not be used to move young lambs or calves.

General information

Indicators that could demonstrate that this minimum standard has been complied with include:

• Any animal showing signs of lameness, psychological stress, clinical signs of dehydration, serious scouring or systemic disease, distress or pain as a result of clinical abnormality, weakness, emaciation, fever, infectious disease, breathing difficulties, depression, ataxia, abnormal posture or excessive aggression is not selected for transport.

Good husbandry practices during the transport period include:

• avoiding mustering over long distances in the days prior to transport
• ensuring a readily accessible supply of drinking water and allowing animals to settle down after mustering and before transport
• ensuring animals have emptied out before transport, but fasting should be limited and dehydration avoided
• familiarising animals to yards, handling and people
• avoiding mixing of unfamiliar animals (cattle may require up to 7 days of social familiarity before transport to reduce transport stress, loading problems and aggressive behaviour)
• transporting stock for the shortest possible time.

7.10 Humane destruction

Introduction

The humane destruction of sheep and beef cattle may occasionally be required because of injury, disease, emergency or for other reasons. Humane killing depends on rapidly inducing insensibility. This can be achieved by causing sufficient brain damage to render the animal insensible and then cutting the major blood vessels of the neck to cause heart failure and death. However, in some emergency situations it may be more appropriate to kill the animal as quickly as possible by a throat cut to prevent or minimise further pain or distress. The overriding consideration during killing is to prevent the animal from suffering further pain or distress.

Humane killing requires that brain activity ceases as rapidly and as painlessly as possible, and that death ensues as soon as possible. This is usually undertaken either by directly damaging the brain (a blow or shot to the head, with a firearm or captive bolt) or stopping the blood supply to the brain (cutting both carotid arteries in the throat or sticking the major blood vessels in the chest and the heart).

The blood supply to the brain in cattle is markedly different from other livestock and this difference can result in prolonged consciousness when only the carotid arteries and jugular veins are severed (the throat cut).

Killing any beef cattle by cutting the throat may not produce rapid death and therefore is not humane, unless the animal has first been rendered insensible.

See summary of regulations appended to this Code:

• Regulation 8: Prohibition on killing calves by blunt force to head

Recommended best practice

1. Sheep should be rapidly rendered insensible and remain in that state, until death.
2. Devices for slaughtering sheep and beef cattle should be in good condition (e.g. knives should be sharp) and appropriate for the animal (e.g. captive bolt device cartridge strength or firearm calibre).
3. Free-bullet firearms should never be used at point blank range. Instead shotguns and rifles should be used between 5 and 25 cm from the head.
4. Shotguns should not be used to destroy adult beef cattle, only calves.
5. Captive bolt firearms, of a suitable design and calibre, should be used to render animals insensible.

General information

Bleeding an animal should be carried out using a sharp knife with the incision cutting both carotid arteries and jugular veins in one swift stroke. Breaking the neck or severing the spinal cord immediately after cutting the throat only produces paralysis, does not affect the time it takes for the animal to become unconscious and adds to the potential pain and distress of the procedure.

Whenever a firearm is used, it is very important that the operator is competent to use the gun and takes care to ensure their safety and that of other animals.

There are two types of captive bolt firearm – penetrating and non-penetrating. A penetrating captive bolt enters the skull and comes into contact with brain tissue; a non-penetrative captive bolt employs a “mushroom” percussive head. Both methods provide a concussive blow to the skull, resulting in insensibility because of brain tissue damage, although the damage caused by the penetrating captive bolt will result in less chance of the animal regaining sensibility. The captive bolt firearm must be applied directly against the head of the animal at the position shown on the next page.

Correct position is critical for the humane and effective slaughter of animals

The optimum position for beef cattle is at the intersection of 2 imaginary lines drawn from the rear of the eyes to the opposite horn buds (both free bullet and captive bolt).

The optimum free-bullet firearm position for hornless sheep is on the midline.

The optimum position for captive bolt stunning of hornless sheep is on the highest point of the head, and on the mid-line, aiming straight down.

The optimum position for heavily horned sheep is behind the poll, aiming towards the angle of the jaw (both free bullet and captive bolt).

Figure source: Based on Humane Slaughter Association (2005) Guidance Notes No. 3: Humane Killing of Livestock Using Firearms. Published by the Humane Slaughter Association, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire AL4 8AN, UK.

Humane Slaughter Association

Handlers who are inexperienced with the procedure should consult a veterinarian.

Act

The Animal Welfare Act 1999.

ad libitum / ad lib feeding

Provision of an unrestricted amount of feed.

adverse weather

Unfavourable weather conditions that may pose harm or risk to the animals.

animal

As defined in the Act:

1. Means any live member of the animal kingdom that is –
   1. A mammal; or
   2. A bird; or
   3. A reptile; or
   4. An amphibian; or
   5. A fish (bony or cartilaginous); or
   6. Any octopus, squid, crab, lobster, or crayfish (including freshwater crayfish); or
   7. Any other member of the animal kingdom which is declared from time to time by the Governor-General, by Order in Council, to be an animal for the purposes of the Act; and
2. Includes any mammalian foetus, or any avian or reptilian pre-hatched young, that is in the last half of its period of gestation or development; and
3. Includes any marsupial pouch young; but
4. Does not include –
   1. A human being; or
   2. Except as provided in paragraph (b) or paragraph (c), any animal in the pre-natal, pre- hatched, larval, or other such developmental stage.

available technology

NAWAC takes to mean technologies which are used practically to care for and manage animals, for example, existing chemicals, drugs, instruments, devices and facilities.

bearing

A prolapse of the vagina with closed cervix, caused by abdominal pressure being greater than the strength of the tissues supporting the vagina.

body condition score

A 0–5 scoring system used to classify the condition of animals, based on the assessed amount of fat

and/or muscle covering they have (see Appendices I and II “Body Condition Scoring”, to this Code).

beef cattle

All cattle which are farmed principally for their meat and/or offspring.

brand

To mark indelibly the skin of an animal by burning, usually with hot or very cold irons, for the purpose of identification of ownership, age or other purpose.

break-feeding

Providing access to a set amount or area of fresh pasture or crop on a frequent, often daily, basis.

breeding soundness

A measure of a male’s ability to breed, usually determined by assessing the animal’s physical health,

scrotal and semen status and ability to mate.

calf

 A bovine that has not had milk (or milk replacer) permanently removed from its diet.

cast

An animal that is lying down but unable to right itself into a sternal recumbency position so that it can rise.

controlled grazing / rotational grazing

Management of livestock and pasture involving frequent shifts, often daily, of animals onto set areas of fresh pasture.

crutching

Shearing of wool from the hindquarters of a sheep.

dag

A clot of matted wool and excrement found on the hindquarters of a sheep.

dagging

Removal of dags from a sheep’s hindquarters.

drought

A prolonged period of very low rainfall resulting in a severe shortage of feed and water available from the environment.

droving

Moving animals from one place to another by driving them on foot along roadways or stock routes.

dystocia

Difficult birth.

easy-care

Sheep selected to be able to adapt and survive in adverse or difficult conditions with relatively little human assistance.

electric prodder

A device that is capable of delivering an electric shock to make an animal move, but does not include electric stunners use to stun an animal immediately before slaughter or electric devices used on animals by the New Zealand Police.

farm or farmed animals

Any animals bred and/or reared for food, fibre, and/or offspring.

feeding pad

An enclosure used for providing supplementary feed in troughs.

feedlot

A confined outdoor area with watering and feeding facilities where livestock are completely hand or mechanically fed for the purpose of production.

feral animal

An animal of a domestic species now living in a wild state.

flight zone

The space surrounding an animal in which it will move, or take flight, when entered for example by a stock handler.

genotype

The genetic makeup of an animal, as opposed to its physical appearance.

goad

An object used to make an animal move, but does not include an electric prodder.

good practice

NAWAC takes to mean a standard of care that has a general level of acceptance among knowledgeable practitioners and experts in the field; is based on good sense and sound judgement; is practical and thorough; has robust experiential or scientific foundations; and prevents unreasonable or unnecessary harm to, or promotes the interests of, the animals to which it is applied. Good practice also takes account of the evolution of attitudes about animals and their care.

heifer

A young female bovine under 3 years of age.

hogget

A young female ovine that is weaned and is reproductively mature until eruption of the 2 central incisor teeth.

hyperthermia

Abnormally high body temperature.

hypothermia

Abnormally low body temperature.

ill-treat

As defined in the Act: “in relation to an animal, means causing the animal to suffer, by any act or omission, pain or distress that in its kind or degree, or in its object, or in the circumstances in which it is inflicted, is unreasonable or unnecessary.”

inflammation

Localised physical condition with heat, swelling, redness and usually pain, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.

insecticide

A registered animal remedy to deter or destroy insects and external parasites.

lamb

 A young ovine until it is weaned.

lifter 

A plate with sleds that is screwed underneath a conventional shearing comb raising it by 2.5 mm ensuring a greater layer of wool is left providing insulation for the shorn sheep.

lame animal

A cattle beast is lame if the animal—

1. is unable to bear weight on 1 or more limbs when moving or standing; or
2. the animal has a definite limp (shortened stride) that is clearly identifiable to a limb or limbs, with weight placed on the limb or limbs significantly reduced.

A cattle beast with a limp is not lame if the cause of the limp is a non-painful condition (such as a conformational fault, a gait abnormality, or a healed injury) and the animal is able to bear weight (although not necessarily evenly) on all four limbs.

A sheep is lame if—

1. the animal is not weight bearing on 1 or more limbs when moving or standing; or
2. the animal has difficulty walking and holds its head below its backline almost continuously.

lux

International measure of light intensity (not to be confused with watts).

minimum standards

Minimum standards provide the details of specific actions people need to take in order to meet the obligations in the Act. They are identified in the text by a heading, and generally use the word “must” or similar. They are highlighted in boxes within the text.

mount animal

An animal, restrained and used for libido testing.

neonate

Newborn animal.

owner

As defined in the Act: "in relation to an animal, includes the parent or guardian of a person under the age of 16 years who –

1. Owns the animal; and
2. Is a member of the parent's or guardian's household living with and dependent on the parent or guardian."

painful husbandry procedures

Means any procedure carried out with or without instruments which involves physical interference with the sensitive soft tissue or bone structure of an animal and is carried out for non-therapeutic reasons. It does not apply to those procedures used to treat animals with existing injuries or disease.

pain relief

Any anaesthetic, analgesic, or sedation administered with the aim of providing effective and significant alleviation of pain.

pasture

A mix of grass species that provides nourishment to livestock generally directly consumed or mechanically harvested for consumption at a later time.

person in charge

As defined in the Act: "in relation to an animal, includes a person who has an animal in that person's possession or custody, or under that person's care, control, or supervision."

pest

As defined in the Act: "means –

1. Any animal in a wild state that, subject to subsection (2), the Minister of Conservation declares, by notice in the Gazette, to be a pest for the purposes of this Act:
2. Any member of the family Mustelidae (except where held under a licence under regulations made under the Wildlife Act 1953):
3. Any feral cat:
4. Any feral dog:
5. Any feral rodent:
6. Any feral rabbit:
7. Any feral hare:
8. Any grass carp:
9. Any Koi or European carp:
10. Any silver carp:
11. Any mosquito fish:
12. Any animal in a wild state that is a pest or unwanted organism within the meaning of the Biosecurity Act 1993."

photosensitive

Exhibiting abnormally heightened sensitivity to sunlight.

physiological state

Relates to the functioning of the body, its organs and body systems.

recommended best practice

NAWAC takes to mean the best practice agreed at a particular time, following consideration of scientific information, accumulated experience and public submissions on this Code. It is usually a higher standard of practice than the minimum standard, except where the minimum standard is best practice. It is a practice that can be varied as new information comes to light. Recommendations for best practice will be particularly appropriate where it is desirable to promote or encourage better care for animals than is provided as a minimum standard.

Recommended best practices are identified in the text by a heading, and generally use the word "should".

scientific knowledge

NAWAC takes to mean knowledge within animal-based scientific disciplines, especially those that deal with nutritional, environmental, health, behavioural and cognitive/neural functions, which are relevant to understanding the physical, health and behavioural needs of animals. Such knowledge is not haphazard or anecdotal; it is generated by rigorous and systematic application of the scientific method, and the results are objectively and critically reviewed before acceptance.

service

The physical act of mating.

sheep

All sheep which are farmed principally for their meat, fibre and/or offspring.

shelter

Cover or protection from weather including sun, rain, wind and snow.

short scrotum or cryptorchid males

Males rendered infertile by forcing the testes against the abdominal wall by removing the scrotum through the application of a rubber ring to the scrotum below (distal to) the testes.

shy-feeder

An animal which is reluctant or slow to adapt to a new feed, usually encountered in a feedlot.

snow-raking

Rescue of livestock trapped by snow.

sporodesmin

The toxin contained in the spores of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum which causes facial eczema when ingested.

stockhandler

A person who undertakes the immediate day-to-day husbandry tasks associated with management and care of sheep and beef cattle.

stockmanship

Putting into practice the skills, knowledge, experience, attributes and empathy necessary to manage stock.

surgical reproductive procedures

Includes a procedure that involves –

1. cutting unto or piercing the abdominal cavity for the purpose of artificial insemination or for the purpose of harvesting, transferring, or implanting embryos; or
2. transvaginal techniques that involves piercing the vaginal wall.

Does not include a procedure carried out for the primary purpose of desexing or the delivery of offspring.

transcervical insemination

A procedure to deliver sperm directly to the uterus through the cervix using a catheter and may involve either or both of the following:

1. deep abdominal palpitation:
2. using an endoscope.

waddy

A stick or similar device for directing the movement of livestock.

winter or "cover" comb

A shearing comb with a wider than conventional comb throat between its teeth and with a rail under every second tooth that ensures a greater layer of wool is left on the shorn sheep.

Schedule 1: electric prodder amended on 27 August 2020 by section 25(1) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020
Schedule 1: pain relief amended on 10 May 2021 by section 25(2) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020
Schedule 1: surgical reproductive procedures amended on 10 May 2021 by section 25(2) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020
Schedule 1: transcervical insemination amended on 10 May 2021 by section 25(2) of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2020

Condition scoring assesses the amount of muscle and fat on the sheep. If there is too much wool on the sheep it is difficult to score body condition accurately by eye. Place the palm of your hand on the lumbar spine (loin) and use fingers on one side and thumb on other side to feel transverse processes.

Use 0–5 scale to score sheep using the following descriptors:

Condition Score
0
1
2
3
4
5

Figure adapted from various sources.

The table below provides a guide on how to assess body condition score in beef cows. The condition scoring system is simply based on the amount of fat cover over an animal’s bones. Note the focus on observing the rear half of the animal. Further information on body condition scoring is available from Beef and Lamb New Zealand.

Although efforts to include relevant regulations within this Code have been made, there may be other regulations which are relevant to you. The full list of all animal welfare regulations should be consulted where appropriate.

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018 – NZ Legislation

3: Interpretation

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires,—

castrate means to remove the testes, sever or crush blood supply to the testes, sever or crush the spermatic cords, or force the testes against the abdominal wall

dehorn means to remove the horn or any part of the horn (including any regrowth after disbudding) from an animal by amputation but does not include—

1. removal of the hard insensitive tip of the horn resulting in a blunt hard end; or
2. removal of an ingrown horn (as described in regulation 38(4)(a) or (b)) within 3cm of the point where the tip of the horn touches or breaks the surface of the skin or touches the eyelid or surface of the eye

disbud means to destroy, by any method, free-floating immature horn tissue

dock means to shorten or remove the tail of an animal by any method

high tension band means a band that is mechanically tightened during application, with tension maintained by a crimp or similar device when the band is released from the applicator

off farm, in relation to a calf, means off the property on which the calf was born or resides

pain relief means any anaesthetic, analgesia, or sedation administered with the aim of providing effective and significant alleviation of pain

prolapse means the displacement of an organ or anatomical structure from its normal position

supernumerary teat means an extra teat in excess of the normal number of teats

tether means any form of restraint that secures any part of an animal to an object or the ground therapeutic purpose means for the purpose of responding to an existing disease or injury young calf means a bovine that is up to 14 days of age and has been separated from its mother.

5: Cattle beasts with ingrown horns

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow a horn to become ingrown to the extent that any part of the horn (other than the base of the horn) pierces or inflames any part of the beast’s body or causes a skin abrasion.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

6: Prohibited methods of milk stimulation in cattle

1. A person must not stimulate milk let-down in a cow by inserting anything into the cow’s vagina.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $900.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $300.

7: Use of traction in calving

1. A person must not use, for the purpose of traction in calving cattle,—
   1. a moving vehicle; or
   2. any other instrument that does not allow for the immediate release of tension.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
3. In this regulation, instrument includes a motorised or mechanical winch.

8: Prohibition on killing calves by blunt force to head

1. A person must not kill a calf by using blunt force to the head unless—
   1. the calf is in severe pain or distress and, as a result, requires immediate humane destruction; and
   2. there is no reasonably practicable alternative to the use of blunt force available.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
3. In this regulation,—

blunt force does not include the firing of a firearm (as defined in section 2(1) of the Arms Act 1983)

calf means a bovine that has not had milk (or milk replacer) permanently removed from its diet.

9: Maximum time young calves may be off feed before slaughter

1. A person in charge of a young calf being held at slaughter premises for slaughter must ensure that the calf is slaughtered as soon as possible after its arrival at the premises.
2. If it is not possible to slaughter a young calf within 24 hours after the calf was last fed on the farm on which it resided, the person in charge of the calf at the slaughter premises must,—
   1. if the calf is able and willing to feed,—
      1. ensure that the calf is fed a volume of colostrum, milk, or milk replacer that equates to at least 5% of the calf’s body weight no more than 24 hours after the calf was last fed on the farm; and
      2. ensure that the calf is slaughtered as soon as possible after it is fed; or
   2. if the calf is unable or unwilling to feed, humanely euthanise or slaughter the calf without delay.
3. A person in charge of a young calf being held at slaughter premises for slaughter must have a system in place that, if followed, will ensure compliance with subclauses (1) and (2).
4. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

10: Shelter requirements for young calves before transportation and at points of sale or slaughter

1. This regulation applies if a young calf—
   1. is being held at a location before being transported off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale (other than the location at which the calf is normally housed on the farm); or
   2. is being held at a location off farm while awaiting sale or slaughter.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, the calf must—
   1. ensure that the calf has access to shelter that—
      1. is ventilated to the extent that there is no threat to the health or welfare of the calf due to insufficient ventilation; and
      2. provides protection from adverse weather, including precipitation and extremes of heat and cold; and
      3. enables the calf to stand up and lie down in a natural posture; and
   2. ensure that faeces and urine do not accumulate in the shelter to an extent that may pose a threat to the health or welfare of the calf.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $2,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

28: Sheep with ingrown horns

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep must not allow a horn to become ingrown to the extent that any part of the horn (other than the base of the horn) pierces or inflames any part of the sheep’s body or causes a skin abrasion.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

29: Use of traction in lambing

1. A person must not use, for the purpose of traction in lambing,—
   1. a moving vehicle; or
   2. any other instrument that does not allow for the immediate release of tension.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
3. In this regulation, instrument includes a motorised or mechanical winch.

30: Prevention of injury

1. A person must not transport a cattle beast, deer, sheep, goat, or pig in a manner that causes acute injury to the animal.
2. A person who transports a cattle beast, deer, sheep, goat, or pig must not load the animal onto a vehicle, or unload the animal from a vehicle, in a manner that causes acute injury to the animal.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
4. The offence in subclause (3) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
5. In this regulation, acute injury—
   1. means an injury that is more than minor and is bleeding; but
   2. does not include back-rub (as defined in regulation 32(4)); and
   3. does not include an injury from horns or antlers to which regulation 31 applies.

31: Transport of animals with horns and antlers

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal with horns or antlers must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, in a manner that allows the animal to seriously injure itself or another animal.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
4. In this regulation, seriously injure means to cause—
   1. external bleeding or extensive internal bruising; or
   2. bleeding or broken horns; or
   3. bleeding, discharging, or broken velvet antlers or pedicles.

32: Prevention of back-rub

1. A person must not transport a cattle beast, deer, sheep, goat, or pig in a manner that causes back-rub.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
4. In this regulation, back-rub means a skin abrasion that—
   1. is bleeding or discharging; and
   2. is located on the head, hips, neck, spine, or high points on the back; and
   3. covers a combined area of more than 50 cm2.

33: Ensuring young calves are fit for transport

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a young calf must not transport the calf, or allow the calf to be transported, off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale unless the calf is at least 4 full days (96 hours) of age.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a young calf must not transport the calf, or allow the calf to be transported, off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale unless—
   1. the calf is free from signs of any injury, disease, disability, or impairment that could compromise the calf’s welfare during the journey; and
   2. the calf is alert and able to—
      1. rise from a lying position; and
      2. stand and bear weight evenly on all 4 limbs; and
      3. move freely; and
      4. protect itself from being trampled and from being injured by other calves; and
   3. the calf’s hooves are firm, worn flat, and not bulbous with soft unworn tissue; and
   4. the calf’s navel cord is shrivelled and not pink or red coloured, raw, or fleshy.
3. However, subclause (2)(a) and (b) does not apply if the owner of, or person in charge of, the young calf has a veterinary declaration that the calf is fit for transport.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a young calf that is being transported or is to be transported off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale must have a system in place that, if followed, will ensure compliance with this regulation.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
6. The offence in subclause (5) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

34: Maximum duration of transport for young calves

1. A person in charge of a young calf must not transport the calf unless the total duration of the journey from the point of loading the calf onto the vehicle to the point of arrival at the final destination of the journey is no more than 12 hours.
2. A person in charge of a young calf who transports young calves must have a system in place that, if followed, will ensure compliance with subclause (1).
3. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

35: Requirements for loading and unloading facilities used with young calves

1. Subclause (2) applies to a person who is, or will be, the owner of, or a person in charge of, a young calf at a place at which the calf is intended to be—
   1. loaded onto a stock transport vehicle for transport off farm or from a place of sale for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale; or
   2. unloaded from a stock transport vehicle used to transport the calf off farm or from a place of sale for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale.
2. A person to whom this subclause applies must provide facilities designed to, or make available other means that,—
   1. enable the calf to walk onto (if subclause (1)(a) applies) or off (if subclause (1)(b) applies) the stock transport vehicle by its own action; and
   2. minimise the risk of a calf slipping and injuring itself, falling off the facilities or other means, or becoming otherwise injured or distressed.
3. A person in charge of a young calf must take all reasonable and practicable steps to ensure that the calf is not, while the person is in charge of the calf,—
   1. loaded onto a stock transport vehicle for transport off farm or from a place of sale, for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale, otherwise than through the use of the facilities or means referred to in subclause (2); or
   2. unloaded from a stock transport vehicle used to transport the calf off farm or from a place of sale, for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale, other than through the use of such facilities or means.
4. In this regulation, stock transport vehicle means a vehicle that has a loading height of 90 cm or more from the lowest point of the tyres to the height of the deck or body of the vehicle onto which a calf will be loaded.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
6. The offence in subclause (5) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
7. A person who fails to comply with subclause (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $2,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

36: Shelter requirements for young calves during transportation

1. A person in charge of a vehicle must not transport a young calf off farm for the purpose of sale or slaughter or as a result of sale unless—
   1. the vehicle provides shelter that—
      1. is ventilated to the extent that there is no threat to the health or welfare of the calf due to insufficient ventilation; and
      2. provides protection from adverse weather, including precipitation and extremes of heat and cold; and
      3. enables the calf to stand up and lie down in a natural posture; and
   2. the person ensures that faeces and urine do not accumulate in the vehicle to an extent that may pose a threat to the health or welfare of the calf.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $2,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

37: Prohibition on transporting young calves by sea across Cook Strait

1. A person in charge of a young calf on a vehicle must not allow the calf to be transported by sea across Cook Strait.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000:
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

38: Restrictions on transporting animals with ingrown horns

1. This regulation applies in respect of an animal with an ingrown horn that involves part of the horn (other than the base of the horn) piercing or inflaming any part of the animal’s body or causing a skin abrasion.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal in respect of which this regulation applies must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
3. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, an animal with an ingrown horn to which this subclause applies may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
4. Subclause (3) applies if the ingrown horn—
   1. touches or breaks the surface of the skin, but does not touch any other tissue; or
   2. touches the eyelid or surface of the eye, but does not touch any other tissue.
5. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
6. The offence in subclause (5) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

39 Restrictions on transporting animals with injured horns or antlers

1. This regulation—
   1. applies in respect of an animal with a bleeding, discharging, or broken (and unhealed) velvet antler, horn, or pedicle; but
   2. does not apply in respect of a deer if the bleeding or discharge is a result of the deer naturally casting its antlers.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal in respect of which this regulation applies must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions; or
   3. the animal is a deer to which subclause (4) applies.
3. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, the animal may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
4. The owner of, or person in charge of, a deer to which this regulation applies may transport the deer, or allow the deer to be transported, to a slaughter premises if—
   1. the deer is a yearling deer; and
   2. this regulation applies because the deer’s first set of velvet antlers were removed; and
   3. rubber rings designed for the purpose of inducing analgesia during velvet antler removal were used for pain relief and are still attached to the deer; and
   4. the deer arrives at the slaughter premises no later than 72 hours after the velvet antlers were removed.
5. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
6. The offence in subclause (5) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

40: Restrictions on transporting lame animals

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast, sheep, deer, pig, or goat that is lame must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner or person in charge complies with all relevant conditions.
2. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, the animal may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
4. The offence in subclause (3) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
5. In this regulation,—
   1. a cattle beast, deer, or pig is lame if—
      1. the animal is not weight bearing on 1 or more limbs when moving or standing; or
      2. the animal has a definite limp (shortened stride) that is clearly identifiable to a limb or limbs, with weight placed on the limb or limbs significantly reduced:
   2. a cattle beast, deer, or pig is not lame if the cause of the limp is a nonpainful condition (such as a conformational fault, a gait abnormality, or a healed injury) and the animal is able to bear weight (although not necessarily evenly) on all 4 limbs:
   3. a sheep or goat is lame if—
      1. the animal is not weight bearing on 1 or more limbs when moving or standing; or
      2. the animal has difficulty walking and holds its head below its backline almost continuously.

41: Restrictions on transporting animals in late pregnancy

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast, sheep, pig, or goat that is in late pregnancy must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a pregnant deer must not transport the deer if it is in late pregnancy or within 21 days before the estimated due date, unless—
   1. the deer is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the deer is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
3. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a pregnant deer must have a system in place that, if followed, will ensure compliance with subclause (2).
4. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
5. The offence in subclause (4) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
6. For the purpose of section 162(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 1999, an inspector has reasonable cause to believe that a person has transported an animal that is in late pregnancy if the animal gives birth during transport or within 24 hours after arriving at a slaughter premises or sale yard.
7. An infringement notice may not be issued, and a charging document may not be filed, in relation to a failure to comply with subclause (1) unless the animal gives birth during transport or within 24 hours after arriving at a slaughter premises or sale yard.
8. An infringement notice may not be issued, and a charging document may not be filed, in relation to a failure to comply with subclause (2) involving a deer that is in late pregnancy (but not a deer that is within 21 days before the estimated due date) unless the deer gives birth during transport or within 24 hours after arriving at a slaughter premises or sale yard.

42: Restrictions on transporting animals with injured or diseased udders

1. This regulation applies in respect of a cattle beast, sheep, or goat that has—
   1. a necrotic udder; or
   2. an udder that has a discharge other than milk; or
   3. an udder that shows signs of inflammation (such as being red, hot, or swollen); or
   4. an udder with a lesion that is bleeding or discharging.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal to which this regulation applies must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
3. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, the animal may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
4. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
5. The offence in subclause (4) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

43: Restrictions on transporting animals with eye cancer

1. This regulation applies in respect of a cattle beast, sheep, or goat that has an eye cancer that—
   1. is bleeding or discharging; or
   2. is not visibly confined to either the tissues of the eye or of the eyelid; or
   3. is causing the eye to discharge; or
   4. is more than 2 cm in diameter.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal to which this regulation applies must not transport the animal, or allow the animal to be transported, unless—
   1. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that states that the animal is fit for transport; or
   2. the animal is accompanied by a veterinary certificate that specifies conditions that must be complied with to manage the animal welfare risks associated with the transport and the owner, or person in charge, complies with all relevant conditions.
3. However, the owner of, or person in charge of, the animal may, for the purpose of treatment, transport the animal—
   1. within the property on which the animal resides; or
   2. to another property (not being slaughter premises), part or all of which is less than 20 km from the boundary of the property on which the animal resides.
4. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
5. The offence in subclause (4) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

44: Certain regulations do not apply to transporters

Regulations 33(1), 35(2), and 38 to 43 do not apply to transporters.

45: Obligations of transporters in relation to animals to which regulations 38 to 43 apply

1. A transporter who transports an animal to which any of regulations 38 to 43 apply and that is accompanied by a veterinary certificate must comply with any relevant conditions specified in the certificate.
2. A transporter who transports a yearling deer to which regulation 39(4) applies must ensure that the deer arrives at the slaughter premises no later than 72 hours after the deer’s velvet antlers were removed.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
4. The offence in subclause (3) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

47: Collars and tethers

1. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal must ensure that any collar or tether on the animal (whether on the neck or on any other part of the animal) does not—
   1. cause a cut that bleeds or discharges; or
   2. cause a skin abrasion that bleeds or discharges; or
   3. cause a swelling; or
   4. prevent the animal from breathing normally, panting, or drinking.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $900.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $300.

48: Use of electric prodders

1. A person must not use an electric prodder on any animal, except—
   1. on cattle that weigh over 150 kg; or
   2. during loading or unloading for transport, on pigs that weigh over 150 kg; or
   3. during loading of a stunning pen at any slaughter premises, =
      1. on pigs that weigh over 150 kg; or
      2. on pigs that weigh over 70 kg if the pigs are in a single-file slaughter race leading into, and within 15 metres of, the stunning pen; or
   4. during loading of a stunning pen at any slaughter premises, on deer of any weight.
2. If an electric prodder is used on an animal where permitted by subclause (1),—
   1. the prodder may be used only on the muscled areas of the animal’s hindquarters or forequarters; and
   2. the animal must have sufficient room to move away from the prodder.
3. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding,—
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
4. The offence in subclause (3) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
5. In this regulation, electric prodder—
   1. means a device that is capable of delivering an electric shock to make an animal move; but
   2. does not include –
      1. electric stunners used to stun an animal immediately before slaughter; or
      2. electric devices used on an animal by the New Zealand Police.

49: Prodding animals in sensitive areas

1. A person must not strike or prod an animal with a goad in the udder, anus, genitals, or eyes.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
3. The offence in subclause (2) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
4. In this regulation, goad means an object used to make an animal move, but does not include an electric prodder as defined in regulation 48(5).

50: Docking cattle beasts’ tails

1. A person must not dock the tail of a cattle beast.
2. A person who fails to comply with this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
3. A person has a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this regulation if the person was required to urgently dock the tail of the cattle beast in response to an accidental tail injury in order to prevent excessive bleeding or further injury to the cattle beast.
4. A person has a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this regulation if—
   1. the person was a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; and
   2. the person docked the tail of the cattle beast for therapeutic purposes; and
   3. the cattle beast was given pain relief at the time of the procedure.

52A: Docking sheep’s tails

1. A person must not dock the tail of a sheep that is under 6 months of age unless the person—
   1. uses a hot iron or rubber ring; and
   2. docks the tail no shorter than the distal end of the caudal fold.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep must not allow the sheep’s tail to be docked in breach of—
   1. subclause (1)(a); or
   2. subclause (1)(b).
3. A person must not dock the tail of a sheep that is 6 months of age or older unless—
   1. the person is a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; and
   2. the sheep is given pain relief at the time of the procedure.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep must not allow its tail to be docked in breach of subclause (3).
5. A person who docks the tail of a sheep must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
6. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep that is to have its tail docked must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
7. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1)(a) or (2)(a) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
8. The offence in subclause (7) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
9. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1)(b) or (2)(b) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding, —
   1. in the case of an individual, $1,500; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate that has been issued an infringement notice for the offence, $1,500; or
   3. in the case of a body corporate that has not been issued an infringement notice for the offence (because proceedings in respect of the infringement offence have been commenced by filing a charging document), $7,500.
10. The offence in subclause (9) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
11. A person who fails to comply with subclause (3) or (4) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
    1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
    2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

53: Castrating cattle beasts and sheep

1. A person must not castrate a cattle beast or a sheep that is over 6 months of age unless throughout the procedure the animal is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. A person must not castrate a cattle beast or a sheep (of any age) using a high tension band unless throughout the procedure the animal is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
3. A person who castrates a cattle beast or a sheep must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast or a sheep that is to be castrated must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

55B: Uterine or vaginal prolapse in sheep

1. A person who treats a uterine or vaginal prolapse in a sheep must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep that is treated for a uterine or vaginal prolapse must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who —
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.

55C: Vaginal prolapse in cattle beasts

1. A person must not treat a vaginal prolapse in a cattle beast unless throughout the procedure the cattle beast is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow the cattle beast’s prolapsed
3. vagina to be treated in breach of subclause (1).
4. A person who treats a vaginal prolapse in a cattle beast must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
5. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to have its vaginal prolapse treated must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
6. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

55F: Removing sheep’s teats

1. A person must not remove a main teat from a sheep of any age unless—
   1. the person is a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; and
   2. the sheep is given pain relief at the time of the procedure.
2. A person must not remove a supernumerary teat from a sheep that is over 1 week of age unless throughout the procedure the sheep is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
3. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep must not allow a teat to be removed from a sheep in breach of subclause (1) or (2).
4. A person who removes a supernumerary teat from a sheep of any age must ensure that the procedure creates a clean cut and does not tear the tissue.
5. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep must not allow a supernumerary teat to be removed from a sheep in breach of subclause (4).
6. A person who removes a supernumerary teat from a sheep of any age must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
7. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep of any age that is to have a supernumerary teat removed must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
8. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
9. A person who fails to comply with subclause (4) or (5) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
10. The offence in subclause (9) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

55H: Removing cattle beasts’ teats

1. A person must not remove a main teat from a cattle beast unless—
   1. the person is a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; and
   2. the cattle beast is given pain relief at the time of the procedure.
2. A person must not remove a supernumerary teat from a cattle beast that is over 10 weeks of age unless throughout the procedure the cattle beast is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
3. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow a teat to be removed from a cattle beast in breach of subclause (1) or (2).
4. A person who removes a supernumerary teat from a cattle beast of any age must ensure that the procedure creates a clean cut and does not tear the tissue.
5. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow a teat to be removed from a cattle beast in breach of subclause (4).
6. A person who removes a supernumerary teat from a cattle beast of any age must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
7. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to have a supernumerary teat removed must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
8. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
9. A person who fails to comply with subclause (4) or (5) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
10. The offence in subclause (9) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.

55I: Occlusion of cattle beasts’ teats

1. A person must not occlude a cattle beast’s teat unless the person—
   1. uses a teat sealant that is registered under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997; or
   2. uses a teat drain or a teat plug in a manner permitted under subclause (2); or
   3. is reinserting or replacing a teat plug that was inserted by a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, for therapeutic purposes.
2. A person must not occlude a cattle beast’s teat using a teat drain or a teat plug unless—
   1. the person is a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; and
   2. the person occludes the teat with the teat drain or teat plug for therapeutic purposes.
3. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow the cattle beast’s teat to be occluded in breach of subclause (1) or (2).
4. A person who reinserts or replaces a teat plug must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
5. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to have its teat occluded must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
6. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

55K: Freeze branding cattle beasts or equids

1. A person who freeze brands a cattle beast or an equid must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast or equid that is to be freeze branded must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.

55L: Prohibition on hot branding of animals generally

1. A person must not hot brand an animal other than an animal to which regulation 55M applies.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal must not allow the animal to be hot branded in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

56D: Cutting teeth of animals

1. A person must not cut a tooth of an animal unless—
   1. the person is a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; or
   2. the tooth is—
      1. a needle tooth of a pig that is 4 days of age or under; or
      2. a tusk of a boar; or
      3. a fighting tooth of a llama or an alpaca; or
   3. the tooth of the animal is cut under a standard operating procedure that has been approved by an animal ethics committee.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal must not allow the animal’s teeth to be cut in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person must not cut a tusk of a boar or a fighting tooth of a llama or an alpaca unless the person uses—
   1. an obstetrical wire; or
   2. a saw suitable for the purpose of dentistry.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a boar, a llama, or an alpaca must not allow the tusks of the boar, or the teeth of the llama or alpaca, to be cut in breach of subclause (3).
5. A person who cuts a tooth of an animal must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
6. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal that is to have a tooth cut must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
7. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
8. A person who fails to comply with subclause (3) or (4) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $1,500.
9. The offence in subclause (8) is an infringement offence with an infringement fee of $500.
10. In this regulation, —

fighting tooth means a modified canine and incisor tooth found in the jaw between the incisors and the molars

needle tooth means any small sharp tooth in a piglet (sometimes referred to as a milk tooth), but principally a canine tooth.

57: Disbudding cattle beasts

1. A person must not disbud a cattle beast unless throughout the procedure the cattle beast is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow the beast to be disbudded in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person who disbuds a cattle beast must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to be disbudded must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

57A: Disbudding sheep

1. A person must not disbud a sheep unless throughout the procedure the sheep is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep must not allow the sheep to be disbudded in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person who disbuds a sheep must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep that is to be disbudded must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

58: Dehorning cattle beasts

1. A person must not dehorn a cattle beast unless throughout the procedure the cattle beast is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow the beast to be dehorned in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person who dehorns a cattle beast must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to be dehorned must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

58B: Dehorning sheep

1. A person must not dehorn a sheep unless throughout the procedure the sheep is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep must not allow it to be dehorned in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person who dehorns a sheep must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a sheep that is to be dehorned must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

58F: Ringing and wiring noses of cattle beasts

1. A person must not insert wire into the nose of a cattle beast.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow wire to be inserted into its nose in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person must not insert, unless the insertion is for animal management purposes, a nose ring into the nose of a cattle beast.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast must not allow a nose ring to be inserted into its nose in breach of subclause (3).
5. A person who inserts a nose ring into the nose of a cattle beast must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
6. The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cattle beast that is to have a nose ring inserted into its nose must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
7. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.
8. A person who fails to comply with subclause (3) or (4) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

59: Prohibition on mulesing sheep

1. A person must not, by any method, remove the breech, tail skin folds, or tail skin wrinkles of a sheep.
2. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $5,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $25,000.

59A: Surgical reproductive procedures

1. A person must not perform a surgical reproductive procedure on an animal unless throughout the procedure the animal is under the influence of pain relief that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal must not allow the animal to have a surgical reproductive procedure performed on it in breach of subclause (1).
3. A person who performs a surgical reproductive procedure on an animal must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
4. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal that is to have a surgical reproductive procedure performed on it must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
5. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.
6. In this regulation, surgical reproductive procedure—
   1. includes a procedure that involves—
      1. cutting into or piercing the abdominal cavity for the purpose of artificial insemination or for the purpose of harvesting, transferring, or implanting embryos; or
      2. transvaginal techniques that involve piercing the vaginal wall:
   2. does not include a procedure carried out for the primary purpose of desexing or the delivery of offspring.

59B: Transcervical insemination

1. A person who performs a transcervical insemination on an animal must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
2. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal that is to have a transcervical insemination performed on it must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
3. In this regulation, transcervical insemination means a procedure to deliver sperm directly to the uterus through the cervix using a catheter and may involve either or both of the following:
   1. deep abdominal palpation:
   2. using an endoscope.

59E: Epidurals

1. A person must not perform an epidural on an equid unless the person is a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure.
2. A person must not perform an epidural on an animal other than an equid unless the person—
   1. is a veterinarian or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian throughout the procedure; or
   2. injects a local anaesthetic authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure into the epidural space.
3. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal must not allow an epidural to be performed on the animal in breach of subclause (1) or (2).
4. A person who performs an epidural on an animal other than an equid must—
   1. be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and
   2. be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.
5. The owner of, and every person in charge of, an animal other than an equid that is to have an epidural performed on it must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the animal are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—
   1. has suitable equipment; and
   2. has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.
6. A person who fails to comply with subclause (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, —
   1. in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or
   2. in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

Appendix replaced on 9 May 2021 by Notice in the Gazette 2021-go1589