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Improving voluntary compliance

The Safeguarding our Animals, Safeguarding our Reputation programme is about improving voluntary compliance with animal welfare laws. Activities include:

  • developing resources to support farmers and veterinarians
  • educating people who work with production animals through workshops and conferences
  • improving awareness and understanding of regulations and codes of welfare.

The Animal Welfare Act, regulations and Codes of Welfare

The aim of the programme is to educate owners and people in charge of animals about their animal welfare responsibilities to improve compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

Codes of welfare provide information about the minimum standards required and recommended best practices for animal care. We encourage everyone who is an owner or who works with animals to be familiar with the code of welfare for their species or activities (for example, the Code of Welfare for Transport within New Zealand 2018).

Regulations have also been issued under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

Regulations currently in force are for young calves, stock transport, farm husbandry, companion and working animals, pigs, layer hens, crustaceans, rodeos, exporting live animals and surgical procedures on animals.

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Programme initiatives

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Who to contact

If you have questions about animal welfare or the programme, email animalwelfare@mpi.govt.nz

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