Over 31,000 signed a petition for presentation to parliament
A 21-strong coalition of animal protection organisations has called for the appointment of an independent commissioner for animals through a petition that has been signed by over 31,000.
Commissioner for Animals Alliance representatives presented the petition to Green Party animal welfare spokesperson Steve Abel on the Parliament forecourt, according to SAFE For Animals.
“Our animal welfare system is broken and animals are suffering as a result. Independent representation for animals at parliamentary level would support the government’s commitment to the Animal Welfare Act and lead to significantly improved outcomes for animals”, SAFE chief executive officer Debra Ashton said.
She highlighted the poor enforcement and resourcing in the existing system.
“Animals are being kept and raised in ways that do not align with the obligations set out under our animal welfare legislation and animals are suffering as a result. On top of that, we have charities up and down the country doing their absolute best on minimal resources. There is a serious risk here of New Zealand falling behind the rest of the world and it is time the government took animal welfare seriously”, Ashton said.
Members of the animal protection organisation alliance indicated that an independent commissioner would focus on animals’ interest to ensure that the Animal Welfare Act is upheld in laws, policies and enforcement. It added that appointing an independent commissioner at parliamentary level would help tackle systemic conflicts of interest in the animal welfare system and enhance transparency, accountability and overall effectiveness.
“Farmed animal welfare regulation in New Zealand is currently shaped to a significant extent by the very industries profiting from the use of animals, rather than being driven by animal’s welfare needs, existing legal protections, and society’s expectations. These systemic failures demand transparent and meaningful reform”, Ashton said.
A recent survey by SAFE and Verian revealed that just 39% of New Zealanders believed the government was effectively enforcing the Animal Welfare Act. Eighty-five percent supported the idea that animal welfare decisions should be made by an independent body.
“New Zealanders care about animals and their wellbeing, and this is evidenced by strong public support for genuine change to our failing animal welfare system. We need oversight and accountability in the form of a commissioner to create a system New Zealanders can be proud of”, Ashton said.
Commissioner for Animals Alliance members include Animals Aotearoa, Animal Evac, Animal Save NZ, Australian Alliance for Animals, Chained Dog Awareness, Community Cat Coalition, Companion Animals NZ, Goat Welfare NZ, Greenpeace Aotearoa, Greyhound Protection League NZ, HUHA, Māui & Hector’s Dolphins Defenders, New Zealand Animal Law Association, NZAVS, Orca Research Trust, SAFE, Wellington Rabbit Rescue, Whale Rescue, World Animal Protection, Vegan FTA and Voiceless.
