More than 31,000 New Zealanders want an independent 'Commissioner for Animals' to improve welfare for companion and farmed animals. At present, the Ministry for Primary Industries enforced animal welfare laws - particularly with production animals - and could pursue prosecutions for offenders. Photo: MPI/suppliedIn addition, there was the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) which advised the Agriculture Minister responsible for animal welfare, Andrew Hoggard, and also the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC). Welfare regulation for production animals was being shaped by farming industries that profited from using animals, she said. Photo: SuppliedThe case for an Animals Commissioner was explored in depth by the Animal Law Association in its December report.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 03, 2026 15:19 UTC