Welfare rules fill a gap
The Ministry of Primary Industries says new animal welfare regulations will fill a gap between the Animal Welfare Act and Codes of Welfare.
As of last Monday, 64 new animal welfare regulations were introduced, 13 related to the transport of animals.
The new regulations were discussed at the Road Transport Forum Conference held in Dunedin last week.
Chairman of the National Livestock Transport and Safety Group, Don Wilson, of Pukekohe, said the ongoing consultation for the new regulations showed the transport industry’s commitment to the correct treatment of stock.
Under the new rules, a farmer could be fined $500 for transporting an animal with a pre-existing condition without a vet certificate.
Transporters can be fined $500 if an animal is loaded, unloaded or transported in a manner that causes injury, including back rub.
MPI manager of animal welfare sector support Leonie Ward said the ministry would continue training so that both transport companies and drivers were aware of the rules. MPI had produced pamphlets and posters to be distributed in rural centres.
Changes to the Animal Welfare Act in May 2015 gave MPI the ability to make regulations under the Animal Welfare Act.
MPI could better enforce the Act by setting out clear rules to protect animal welfare. Ms Ward said any severe offending would still be dealt with under the Animal Welfare Act.
“A lot of incidences don’t justify a court case . . . the regulations mean someone can receive a fine or infringement.”
A few regulations set new rules such as prohibiting tail docking on cattle and dogs.