08 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
223 views
The New Zealand Government, led by Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard, is seeking public feedback on proposed rules to prevent dogs from being confined in cages or kennels for excessively long periods, which can cause anxiety, fear, and aggression. The proposals would allow Animal Welfare Inspectors to issue $500 fines to owners if dogs show two or more signs of prolonged confinement harm, while clarifying that normal short-term confinement, such as kennelling at night or during farm work, remains acceptable. Consultation on these rules, including views on dog breeding and commercial services, opens from 12 October to 23 November 2026.
18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1145 views
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has granted $468,000 from the Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund to the SPCA for a targeted dog desexing program aimed at reducing irresponsible breeding and roaming dogs in Auckland and Northland. This initiative, totaling nearly $1.2 million with the SPCA’s contribution, seeks to improve public safety by preventing dog attacks and controlling the dog population, potentially stopping 7,500 puppies from being born in the first year. The program is part of a broader government effort to address dog-related harm, with progress monitored through quarterly reports and further measures to be announced.
13 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1152 views
Racing Minister Winston Peters supports plans to rehome greyhounds as New Zealand transitions away from greyhound racing, emphasizing a careful, multi-stage process involving industry input and select committee feedback. The Ministerial Advisory Committee proposes establishing a transition agency to manage dog care, provide mental health and retraining support for industry workers, and collaborate with animal welfare groups to ensure successful rehoming. This transition follows years of reviews highlighting animal welfare issues and reflects strong public support for ending greyhound racing.
01 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1455 views
The Government of New Zealand is proposing changes to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to improve welfare outcomes for pigs, including new requirements for farrowing crates and mating stalls, with the regulations set to take effect on December 19, 2035. These changes aim to elevate animal welfare standards in New Zealand, balancing the needs of the farming industry with public expectations, following extensive consultation with stakeholders. The proposed amendments will increase minimum spacing for grower pigs, limit sow confinement in farrowing crates to seven days, and restrict mating stall use to three hours at a time, emphasizing the importance of providing manipulable materials and meeting space requirements for pigs.
26 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1519 views
The Government is implementing new regulations to ban prolonged tethering of dogs, citing concerns about the negative impact on dog health and behavior. The rules target owners who do not provide sufficient exercise for their dogs, with exceptions for certain situations like working dogs. The changes, effective from 25 September 2025, aim to improve animal welfare and have received strong public support.
20 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1759 views
Cabinet in New Zealand has officially agreed to close the greyhound racing industry, with a bill being drafted to enact this decision by July 31, 2026, following concerns about animal welfare and safety issues outlined in multiple reviews. The Ministerial Advisory Committee has recommended a clear plan for transitioning away from greyhound racing, including re-homing programs and support for industry participants through a Transition Agency funded by the TAB. Racing Minister Winston Peters emphasizes the importance of public input during the process, highlighting the global trend of phasing out greyhound racing due to ongoing welfare and safety concerns.
11 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1896 views
Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard has announced the release of a revised Code of Welfare for Deer, emphasizing the importance of balancing animal protection with practicality and economic considerations for farmers. The code, the first of the priority pastoral livestock codes to be finalized, aims to uphold New Zealand's strong reputation for animal welfare standards while ensuring that regulations are practical and proportionate. Developed in consultation with the deer industry, the code sets clear welfare standards and guidelines for farmers to follow, promoting high standards of animal handling and care.
22 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2305 views
The Racing Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, emphasizes animal welfare as a priority in planning for the intended end of greyhound racing in the country. An Advisory Committee has presented an interim report outlining the transition process, which includes rehoming plans for the greyhounds currently involved in the sport. The report also addresses concerns about financial support for owners and trainers, with the recommendations set to be reviewed by Cabinet before any decisions are made.