We Are The University

Animal welfare advisory group too industry friendly

green-party

Wed Jun 15 2011 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)

Animal welfare advisory group too industry friendly

Wednesday, 15 June 2011, 3:38 pm
Press Release: Green Party

15 June 2011

Animal welfare advisory group too industry friendly

The newly announced Advisory Group on Animal Welfare is industry friendly, rather than animal friendly, Green Party animal welfare spokesperson Sue Kedgley said today.

The Minister of Agriculture has set up an advisory group to oversee the development of a national animal welfare strategy, to feed into a review of the Animal Welfare Act. (Note: The full list of advisory group members is included at the bottom of this release).

“Why are representatives from an animal slaughter house, and from Fonterra, about to shape the future of animal welfare for New Zealand,” asked Ms Kedgley.

“I have to question the purpose of the review, given many representatives appear to have a background of advocating against animal welfare solutions.

“I am also concerned that Dr John Hellstrom, Chair of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, is a member of the advisory group, given his recent statements on radio that he believes hens in colony cages are happy and content.

“If the Minister was serious about reviewing the Animal Welfare Act with a view to improving conditions for animals in New Zealand, he should have ensured that people with a proven track in advocating for animals are on the Animal Welfare Advisory Group.”

Animal Welfare Advisory Group

NAWAC: Dr John Hellstrom
Chair of NAWAC
Confirmed

NAEAC: Dr Virginia Williams
Chair of NAEAC and NZ Veterinary Association animal welfare co-ordinator
Confirmed

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

On farm: Chris Kelly
CEO Landcorp
Confirmed

Processing: Simon Gatenby
CEO, Taylor Preston and MIA counsellor
Confirmed

Consumer: To be confirmed

Science: Prof. David Mellor
Co-Director Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, Massey University
Confirmed

Animal advocacy: Peter Mason
Former National President RNZSPCA and International Board Secretary WSPA
Confirmed

Practicing Vet: Gavin Sinclair
Production animal veterinarian, Director of VetSouth, and incoming NZVA President
Confirmed

Marketing and Trade: Steve Murphy
General Manager Milk Supply
Fonterra
Confirmed

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from Green Party on InfoPages.