Dairy NZ

The Painful Husbandry Procedures Code of Welfare was issued by the Minister of Agriculture in late December 2005.  It contains a number of provisions which affect dairy farmers.  The following questions and answers are intended to provide guidance with interpretation of the Code.

Where did the Painful Procedures Code come from?
The Painful Procedures Code was written by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC).  Although dairy industry representatives were consulted on the development of the Code, it remains a government driven document, not an industry one.

Who does it affect?
The Code affects farmers, owners and people in charge of animals, who perform painful procedures on animals.  A painful husbandry procedure can be defined as something which involves physical interference with the sensitive soft tissue, or bone, of an animal, which is done for non-medical (therapeutic) reasons.  A full definition is given in the Code.

Note that if an employee commits an offence, then the owner of the animals and the parent company (if applicable) may also face prosecution for the same offence. This is provided for under section 164 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.  In the case of a company prosecution, the directors and managers of the company may be prosecuted individually under section 165 of the Act in addition to the company itself.

How will it affect me?
The main areas which impact on dairy farmers are:

• Tail-docking - Farmers may only remove the last 2-3 vertebrae of the tail

• Disbudding & de-horning - Farmers must minimise pain and distress.  De-horning without pain relief must be done before 9 months of age.

What about the animals I've already treated?
The Code only applies to animals treated after December 2005, so this is unlikely to be a problem unless farmers deliberately contravene the Code.

I've been doing this for years. Why should I change now?
Two reasons.  One, the Code is a regulation under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, and the Minimum Standards it contains have legal status.  In effect, there is no other option but to comply.  Two, the Code reflects current public opinion, scientific knowledge and good practice with regard to the management of painful husbandry procedures, making it difficult to argue against compliance.

I only do this on a few animals. I won't get caught.
There are many organisations in NZ who are actively involved in monitoring animal welfare issues.  These range from the SPCA through to MAF's Compliance and Enforcement Group (CEG).  All it takes is a phone call from a concerned member of the public to start an investigation and if found guilty, both the individual and company they work for can face significant fines and/or imprisonment.

Are there any benefits to the Code?
Yes.  The Code sends a clear message to market partners that NZ is serious about animal welfare and in doing so, helps us maintain access to high value markets and develop opportunities within new markets.  It also places NZ agriculture as a whole in a strong position, given the increasing awareness of animal welfare as a global issue. Finally, compliance with the Code extends this message to the farm gate and helps promote the image of NZ dairy farmers being among the best in the world.

What will happen in the future?
The Painful Procedures Code is due for review not later than 2015, at which time farmers should be encouraged to submit their opinions on what future versions should contain.  Two other Codes, dairy and transport, are due for public consultation later this year.  Again, farmers should be encouraged to submit their opinions on these draft Codes when available.

Who can I contact for more information?

• Veterinary advice: Your local vet 
• Forthcoming and Existing Codes of Welfare (including Painful Procedures Code): Biosecurity NZ
  PO Box 2526, Wellington
  www.biosecurity.govt.nz/animal-welfare 
• Specific issues: NAWAC (C/- Biosecurity NZ)
  Regulations Review Committee
  (C/- Parliament Buildings, Wellington) 
• Report a welfare problem: MAF CEG (0800 327 027)
  SPCA (09 827 6094) 
• Legal advice: Your solicitor/legal professional

For detailed information concerning the process surrounding the Painful Husbandry Procedures Code of Welfare, including deliberations, explanation of decisions made and a full bibliography, see the official report at www.biosecurity.govt.nz/animal-welfare.