Crackdown on animal abusers by government
Individuals could face fines of up to $5000 and companies $25,000 if they cause moderate and likely long-term harm to an animal under proposed regulations.
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) also forecasts a sharp rise in the numbers of infringement notices and prosecutions it is likely to undertake - from 100 a year at present to about 2000.
Until now MPI has not had the power to set regulations and fine people accordingly. In serious cases of animal abuse it has been able to prosecute under the Animal Welfare Act, but these prosecutions have been relatively few in number. The 46 new rules due to come into effect by October next year - cover everything from the size of farrowing crates, dehorning cattle, induced moulting of layer hens and ensuring crayfish are insensible before being killed. MPI said it received an average of 15,000 complaints a year, following which it handed out 100 prosecutions, and 10,000 verbal warnings. In 5000 cases the issues were resolved or were unsubstantiated. Under the new rules, there will be two classes of offence: ‘‘infringement’’ and ‘‘prosecutable’’. The infringement offences will not result in a criminal conviction and will carry a maximum fine of $500, with the test being whether a person ‘‘may cause mild to moderate short-term harm to an animal’’. The prosecutable offences ‘‘may’’ result in a criminal conviction and carry the high penalties.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said MPI hoped to have the regulations ready this year so people had time to ensure their systems complied by the time they came into effect next October. ‘‘In 2014, New Zealand’s animal welfare system was ranked first equal out of 50 countries assessed by the global animal protection charity World Animal Protection. ... We take good care of our animals but one bad incident can damage our reputation.’’
Animal welfare group SAFE spokeswoman Jasmijn de Boo questioned whether MPI would have the resources to enforce the regulations.