7. SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga) Link to this
to the Minister of Agriculture
What steps is the Government taking to curb animal cruelty offences?
Hon DAVID CARTER (Minister of Agriculture) Link to this
This afternoon a major step will be taken with the first reading of the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill. This legislation builds on the very good work by the member asking the question, Simon Bridges, and will substantially strengthen the penalties for animal welfare offences. It sends a clear message that animal cruelty is unacceptable, and complements the other animal welfare initiatives that this Government has under way.
The bill is significantly wider than the original member’s bill. Its key measures include substantial increases in maximum sentences for animal welfare offences, the creation of an entirely new animal welfare offence of “reckless ill-treatment”, the toughening of a number of measures around the forfeiture of animals, and the ability to disqualify people from owning animals. I would certainly hope that all parties in the House support this legislation to the select committee this afternoon.
Sue KedgleyWhen he says that all acts of animal cruelty are unacceptable, does he consider institutional acts of cruelty to animals to be unacceptable, such as the practice of keeping pigs and hens in cages, or only individual acts of cruelty, which are covered in this bill?