Farmers have been given 10 years to comply with new rules under major reform
The government has announced new animal welfare requirements for pig farming as it aims to raise welfare standards while giving farmers time to adjust to the changes.
Associate minister of agriculture (animal welfare) Andrew Hoggard said the amendments to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 will “set new requirements for the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls, and requirements for space for growing pigs”.
“These proposed new requirements will be amongst the highest in the world and demonstrate the importance New Zealanders place upon animal welfare”, he said.
The new rules will take effect on 19 December 2035, giving farmers a decade to adapt.
“This approach provides the sector with a realistic timeframe to make changes to their practices and farms without disrupting domestic pork supply or putting undue pressure on pig farmers”, Hoggard said.
Under the proposed regulations, the minimum spacing for grower pigs will increase by 13.3%, reducing crowding and improving welfare. The time sows spend in farrowing crates – used to confine them around birthing – will be cut from 33 days to 7 days, and all facilities will be required to provide manipulable and deformable materials that allow sows to engage in nest-building behaviours.
The use of mating stalls will also be limited to no more than three hours at a time, down from the current seven days.
Hoggard said the changes followed five years of consultation with farmers, veterinarians, industry representatives, and the public.
“We’ve listened to and considered a broad range of perspectives. I’d like to thank all those that have provided their perspectives and expert advice to ensure our approach is scientifically robust and economically viable”, he said.
He added that while many of the changes would require financial investment and infrastructure modifications, the goal was to ensure that “New Zealand retains its reputation for high animal welfare outcomes, while making sure we keep a viable pig farming industry and Kiwis have access to locally grown pork”.
The Code of Welfare for Pigs will be finalised and issued once the Amendment Bill is passed by Parliament to align with the new regulations.
Hoggard said separating the regulations from the welfare code was necessary “to replace the regulations set to automatically revoke on 18 December 2025, give the sector a realistic path to compliance, and uphold the welfare standards expected by New Zealanders”.
