Source: SAFE For Animals
SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie says this stands in stark contrast to the sentiments of the New Zealand voting public.
“While the Greens championed animal welfare, the other results were disheartening,” says Brodie.
“Labour falls worryingly short. They only support two policies and refuse to take a clear position on greyhound racing, which goes to show their ambivalence. National and Te Pāti Māori did not respond to the survey, whilst ACT’s policies could potentially reverse progress on animal welfare.”
“What is astounding is the Labour party won’t even back a review of animal welfare legislation, despite both a Labour Minister and the entire Regulations Review Committee, all urging a review.”
SAFE argues that overlooking animal welfare is a grave misstep by political entities. A recent Kantar Poll showed that the welfare of animals is important to 3 in 4 New Zealanders.
“All political parties should take note. Animal welfare isn’t a mere checkbox, we actually have a duty of care. Animal welfare needs to be front and centre in Aotearoa’s political landscape.”
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
– The survey was sent to political parties currently represented in Parliament. The survey period was 30 August to 13 September 2023. The survey covered topics including whether they would ban farrowing crates, greyhound racing, rodeo, fish farming, rodeo and colony cages. It also asked whether parties would uphold the ban on live export, establish a commissioner for animals, support a review of animal welfare legislation, and support a transition away from animal agriculture.
– SAFE is politically neutral and does not endorse any particular political party. The published survey results reflect SAFE’s opinions on each party’s stated animal welfare policies.
