MPI to be principal agency for animal welfare

The MPI will look after all animals

To ensure a better overall response to adverse events the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is currently updating the National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan.

A key component of the update is making the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) the responsible lead agency at the national and regional level for animal welfare issues.

As it stands, no one agency has formalised responsibility to respond to animal welfare issues during an adverse event. Traditionally Federated Farmers has taken on the lead role for farm animals, with the SPCA filling the void for domestic pets.

This has worked well in the field using experienced volunteers with animal husbandry skills, but has been ad hoc in the way of overall national co-ordination. The appointment of MPI as the lead agency is supported by the National Animal Welfare Emergency Management (NAWEM) committee as it will hopefully lead to better access to resources and improved overall co-ordination of response actions.

Under the new provisions all animal owners, or persons in charge, will be encouraged to develop their own plans to care for their animals during emergencies.

It is planned that MPI will be co-ordinating the provision of the animal welfare function (including rescue, shelter, food, water, husbandry and veterinary care and other essentials) for all animals, including but not limited to, companion animals, production animals, animals in research, testing, teaching facilities, zoo and circus animals, and wildlife.

It will also be responsible for co-ordinating the planning for animal welfare in emergencies and maintaining the Government's reporting and advisory capability on animal welfare in an emergency.

At the national level, in order to provide these services, support may be required from the NAWEM Advisory Group to provide advice on animal welfare issues in emergencies. Federated Farmers is a representative of NAWEM and will have a lead role to play from a national perspective, working along with MPI.

At a regional level, in order to provide these services, support will also be required from members of Federated Farmers and other primary sector industry groups. This will involve providing direct support and co-ordination services to commercial livestock owners to assist in mitigating animal suffering as a result of an adverse event.

Other organisations that will assist include the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, New Zealand Companion Animal Council and the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Public health statutory officers will be responsible for advising local authorities on the disposal of dead animals and public health issues that may result from the death of many animals.