RNZ Wellington
March 31, 2018
New rules to strengthen the animal welfare system are not enough, SAFE (Save Animals From Exploitation), an animal rights group has said.
That comes after Associate Minister for Agriculture Meka Whaitiri announced new regulations, which include fining pet owners $300 for leaving dogs in hot cars.
Penalties for low offences
Ms Whaitiri said that the government had introduced penalties for lower level offences which might not warrant prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act.
The new rules would also allow people to be fined when farm animals were injured while being transported to slaughter plants.
Ms Whaitiri has said that the regulations would have a significant effect on the treatment of animals.
They were developed over three years working with industry and advocacy groups.
Delayed Response
However, SAFE Campaign director Mandy Carter said that there were not enough Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) inspectors to make sure the regulations were enforced.
“If there is a dog caught in a hot car, are they expecting members of the public to call MPI to come and rescue? Or call the SPCA to come and rescue the dog, and then get an infringement notice?
“Because the problem is, that dog likely would’ve died by the time they turn up.”
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Picture of Labradors from Wikimedia Commons
