Re: Advances in animal welfare in New Zealand

Authors: Morris MC, Weaver SA
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 50, Issue 5, pp 211, Oct 2002
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General
Subject Terms: Animal welfare, Ethics, Husbandry/husbandry procedures, Research/development, Veterinary profession
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract:
The review article which appeared in the Jubilee Issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal (Stafford et al 2002) provided a good summary of recent research into the animal suffering associated with normal farming practices and pest control. In many cases, such research has been helpful in making improvements to animal welfare regulations, and the knowledge gained may prove even more useful in making further beneficial changes during the current submission round on codes of ethical conduct. More mention of `factory farming`, however, especially the issue of sow crates and battery chickens, could have been an appropriate addition. The animal welfare implications of these farming practices, both in terms of severity of suffering and the numbers of animals involved are immense and, furthermore, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE) campaigns have ensured that these two issues have been very much in the public mind.

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