By JASON COLLIE
Winston Peters is crusading against the export of dogs he claims are ending up on dinner plates in Asia.
The New Zealand First leader said last night that he feared New Zealand dogs were being sent to China, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam as delicacies.
He plans to lobby Agriculture
Minister Jim Sutton to stamp out the practice.
His claims follow warnings to St Bernard owners in March that Asians were trying to buy the huge dogs for food.
But the Kennel Club vice-president, Gary Doyle, said last night that he doubted there was trade in dogs, because it would cost so much to buy a pedigree animal and send it overseas.
Mr Peters said he had collected evidence from animal rights groups. He believed more and more New Zealand breeders were being approached.
"It's not part of our culture to facilitate this kind of thing. The method of killing is just downright cruel."
A Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries export certificate is needed to take a dog out of the country, but Mr Peters said a law change banning their export except for legitimate purposes, such as breeding, would make it harder for traders.
Mr Doyle could not put a figure on the number of New Zealand dogs now being exported, but he doubted that many would be headed for an Asian meat trade.
"Anything to protect dogs is worth pursuing, but I have grave doubts that it's a large market.
"I can't see anybody purchasing a dog for $3000 plus half again to get it over there just to kill it."
Mr Sutton said he awaited a meeting with Mr Peters and advice from officials.
