After milking the sheep are put out to fresh pasture to graze. Photo: Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is seeking feedback on a revised code of welfare for sheep and beef cattle.
NAWAC is an independent group which advises the government on animal welfare issues.
The draft code proposes several updates to minimum standards and recommendations for best practice, and includes a ban on the use of electro-immobilisation devices.
Chairperson Dr Matt Stone said this followed best practice overseas and few farmers used them these days anyway.
"The majority of farmers no longer use this method, and we feel there are better alternatives out there that are highly effective."
Among other key changes are the introduction of dairy sheep standards, which Dr Stone described as a "growing industry".
"That's a brand new section in the code that obviously draws from industry experience but also apply sort of let's call them hybrid settings between some for the settings we might see in the dairy cattle code but then of course also related to sheep husbandry."
There would also be new minimum standards for animals in off-paddock facilities and feedlots, and ensuring sheep and beef cattle have the opportunity to express natural behaviours.
This included contingency planning, which Dr Stone said was especially "topical" given multiple adverse weather events across New Zealand in recent years.
"[They] describe the responsibilities of farmers and people in charge of animals in relation to contingency planning for adverse weather events, but also for infrastructure failures such as critical infrastructure on farm automated feeding systems, these types of things , or a fire or other natural disaster."
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairperson Kate Acland said the draft appeared to take a "balanced approach" to ensuring stock owners ensure the welfare of the animals in their care.
"Based on our initial analysis of the updated Code, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee should be commended for considering on-farm practicality, and for showing their reasoning, in setting out the standards that must be achieved."
The new proposals take into account new technologies and updated science, she said.
Pain relief during animal husbandry procedures such as docking or tailing has been recommended as best practice rather than a minimum standard, and the standards around shade and shelter appear sensible and achievable.
Acland said some areas though may need a closer look, such as ensuring unweaned lambs being prepared for transport have been fed within a specified period.
"As farmers, we pride ourselves on how we look after the animals in our care."
In addition to seeking views from sheep and beef farmers and others affected by the changes, Dr Stone said NAWAC was encouraging feedback from animal advocates and the public.
"We welcome a wide range of perspectives on the proposed changes to ensure the code is practical and delivers good animal welfare outcomes."
More information can be found on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
Consultation closes on 15 July.
