The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is proposing regulations to clarify the rules for significant surgical procedures on a wide range of animals.

People have a chance to say what they think about the rules for surgical procedures on animals – with a call for public submissions and a public meeting in Invercargill next week.

Deputy director general for regulation and assurance Bryan Wilson said it was essential that procedures on animals be carried out by the right people with the right skills and care, to ensure the well-being of animals. 

“We are proposing clearer rules about who can carry out certain procedures on animals and how they must be done.

“We want to hear from people who work with and care for animals, and anyone else who is interested in animal welfare regulations.”

Public consultation is underway on proposed regulations under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Submissions close on Wednesday, July 24.

“Animal welfare matters. It’s important to animals, it’s important to people and it’s important to New Zealand,” Mr Wilson said.

“The proposed rules mostly allow competent people to continue doing routine procedures on animals. Some proposals raise the standard.” 

MPI is also holding seven public meetings around the country including one in Invercargill:

Wednesday, July 10

6.00 pm to 9.00 pm

Oreti Room at the Ascot Park Hotel

Click here to make a submission, find a public meeting or find out more.