Ministry of Primary Industries - Latest information
The welfare of young calves is our priority and at the heart of any good farming business.
Seven new regulations have been developed to strengthen the rules around young calf welfare with a range of fines and infringements. Four of the seven regulations take effect from 1 August 2016.
You may already be following these requirements in your daily work as most are similar to the minimum standards in the codes of welfare. However, the regulations now introduce new penalties for those who do not comply.
Regulations taking effect on 1 August 2016
This is a summary of the regulations. For all details please read the full regulations at www.legislation.govt.nz.
If you own or are in charge of young calves, several of the regulations require you to have systems in place to ensure all of the rules are followed. Check that you know what to do and have put the right plans in place to meet the requirements.
Prohibition on killing calves by blunt force to the head
This applies to any calf that has not been weaned off milk, or a milk replacement.
A person must not kill a calf by using blunt force to the head unless:
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the calf is in severe pain or distress and, as a result, requires immediate humane destruction; and
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there is no reasonably practicable alternative to the use of blunt force available.
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Any person who does not follow this regulation may be liable on conviction for a fine of:
up to $3000 for an individual; or
up to $15,000 for a body corporate.
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