“As farmers, we pride ourselves on how we look after the animals in our 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.”
Acland said the initial analysis was that a pragmatic approach had been taken to some areas at which farmers would have been looking closely.
“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.
“There are some details that may, however, need to be addressed in Beef + Lamb’s consultation submission.
“Some of the minimum standards may not be entirely fit for purpose for sheep and beef cattle - for example, ensuring unweaned lambs being prepared for transport have been fed within a specified period – so we’ll be looking into those in more detail and may request changes,” she said.
B + LNZ will be making a consultation submission on behalf of farmers with support from its Farmer Reference Groups and will provide support for farmers who want to make their own submissions.
