Protesters try to bring forward live export ban date
A group protesting live animal exports thought their work was done when the Government announced a ban.
But as another live export ship arrived in New Plymouth yesterday, members of Taranaki Animal Save were back on the streets, this time collecting signatures to move the ban forward from 2023 to now.
‘‘After the welfare issues the Government has identified, it really is inappropriate to continue for another two years because we’re breaching our own animal welfare laws,’’ activist Summer Aitken said.
‘‘It’s not acceptable.’’
The group has written an open letter which it will send to Port Taranaki chief executive Guy Roper, asking him to reconsider facilitating the trade.
‘‘They can end it immediately if they choose to and that’s what we’re calling for.’’
On April 14, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced that all livestock exports from New Zealand by sea will be banned by 2023.
It came after a two-year review of the trade.
Aitken said Taranaki Animal Save spent two hours on New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway handing out pamphlets and collecting signatures to be presented alongside the open letter.
The response from passers-by had been encouraging, she said. ‘‘It’s been really positive.’’ There was no time frame for how long they would collect signatures, or when they would deliver the open letter to Port Taranaki’s chief executive, Aitken said. ‘‘We’re just keen to collect as many as we can.’’
The group then protested at the corner of Breakwater and Bayly roads, from 4pm.