Resources: Safeguarding our Animals, Safeguarding our Reputation Programme

Report on lifestyle blocks and animal welfare

On 18 May 2018, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) published a report on why and how MPI should engage with lifestyle block owners on animal welfare issues.

The report recommends MPI take a lead role (with support from the SPCA and veterinarians) in proactively communicating with lifestyle block owners to ensure they are well-informed and able to meet their compliance requirements.

MPI study of New Zealand lifestyle blocks and animal welfare [PDF, 316 KB]

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The Farmer Representatives Animal Welfare Toolkit

Developed by MPI in collaboration with industry.

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The animal welfare toolkit is designed for farmers who have a leadership role in their community, and are asked to become part of a response to a serious animal welfare incident.

The toolkit provides guidance on:

• how to identify an animal welfare issue, and when it should be referred
• dealing with concerns from the public
• talking to farmers
• providing support
• working with an animal welfare inspector.

Download the toolkit [PDF, 6.5 MB]

For veterinarians

Resources for identifying and investigating suspected or actual cases of animal ill-treatment.

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The Vet Toolkit

The Veterinarian's Animal Welfare Toolkit is a practical toolkit for veterinarians dealing with animal welfare issues on farms. The toolkit was developed by MPI in collaboration with industry.

Download the Veterinarians Animal Welfare Toolkit [PDF, 879 KB]

The Vet Pak

The Vet Pak is for veterinarians who are asked to assist with animal welfare investigations in the primary sector. The pack provides specialist advice about the legal requirements of an investigation, collecting evidence and appearing in court. Download:

Section 1: The role of the veterinarian in an animal welfare investigation [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Section 2: Concepts and assessment of pain and distress [PDF, 1.6 MB]
Section 3: Being a witness [PDF, 842 KB]
Section 4: Legal standards, powers and protection [PDF, 2.6 MB]
Section 5: Technical information [PDF, 1.8 MB]

The Vet Pak provides detailed information about:

a veterinarian’s role in an animal welfare investigation
good practice note-taking and evidence collection
what to expect if an investigation is taken to court
technical information on body condition scoring
humane euthanasia techniques
post-mortem procedures.

Small animal veterinarians – animal abuse guidance

Guidance has been developed by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand to help veterinary clinics set policies and protocols to follow when animal abuse or family violence are suspected or identified. The council's guidance document (Dealing with Cases of Suspected or Actual Animal Abuse and Family Violence) provides information and links to help veterinarians respond safely and responsibly in such cases.

Download the guidance document [PDF, 1.5 MB]

'Ask Reg' for all the details

Report on lifestyle blocks and animal welfare

Toolkits

The Farmer Representatives Animal Welfare Toolkit

For veterinarians

The Vet Toolkit

The Vet Pak

Small animal veterinarians – animal abuse guidance

Leaflets

Other websites

MPI business units