New Zealand
New Zealand Animal Welfare Act
Summary Description
Imposes a duty on the State to protect animals.
Species
All animals
Jurisdiction
New Zealand
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Legislation
Status
In force
Legal Value
Binding
Date Enacted
1999
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Animal Welfare Act 1999 (N.Z.)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Covers all animals, including invertebrates ("animal" is defined as any mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, octopus, squid, crab, or crayfish (including freshwater crayfish) or any other species as declared by the Governor-General by Order in Council).
- Establishes a National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and a National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee.
- Requires the enactment of the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations
- Refers to 19 Codes of Welfare expand the basic obligations laid out in the Animal Welfare Act by setting minimum standards, as well as best practices.
- Provides penalties in cases of violations.
Weaknesses
- Animals are still classified as property under the law.
- The Codes of Welfare are not legally binding and do not cover all farmed animals (i.e. broiler chickens).
- The Codes of Welfare undermine the purposes and principles of the Animal Welfare Act, by providing defences to conduct contrary to the Act.
- The 2018 Regulations allow some cruel practices such as the keeping of hens and sows in cages, mutilations of piglets, and the slaughter of animals without stunning.
Related Laws/Policies
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