New Zealand planning crackdown on animal cruelty in farming

The New Zealand government is planning to strengthen animal welfare laws in a bid to enhance the international reputation of its primary sector after recent scandals.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy said Thursday the government was seeking feedback on proposed regulation changes that would set enforceable rules for the treatment of animals.

The proposed regulations related to the care of and conduct to animals, including new rules for handling bobby calves and more powers for the head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) around reporting of animal welfare when live animals were exported for breeding.

"Animal welfare matters to New Zealanders and global consumers of our products. Two-thirds of households own a pet, and animal products generate 23 billion NZ dollars (15.75 billion U.S. dollars) in exports every year," Guy said in a statement.

"Our animal welfare system is considered one of the best in the world. The proposed regulations will further strengthen our reputation as a country that cares for animals."

In November last year, MPI launched an investigation into the brutal treatment of bobby calves after video footage was broadcast showing the days-old animals being kicked, thrown and bashed prior to their slaughter.

Bobby calves are the offspring of dairy cows, which have to give birth about once a year to keep them in milk.

The maximum penalty for wilful ill-treatment under New Zealand law is five years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 NZ dollars (68,490 U.S. dollars) for individuals and a maximum of 500,000 NZ dollars (342,500 U.S. dollars) for a company.

Animal advocacy groups Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE) and Farmwatch, which obtained the video with hidden cameras, called on New Zealand and international consumers to ditch dairy from their diets.

Another video earlier this month showed starving and mistreated hens on the farm of a major egg producer. Endit