David Carter

Feds - can't see this in priors

Wellington, June 25 NZPA - Sheep and beef cattle are now covered by a code of animal welfare like that already in place for deer and dairy cattle.

Agriculture Minister David Carter has issued the Animal Welfare (Sheep and Beef Cattle) Code of Welfare 2010, which sets minimum standards for the farming of sheep and beef cattle.

"Like the codes of welfare in place for dairy cattle and deer, this covers all areas of stock management including food and water, shade and shelter, pre-transport selection and health," he said today.

"The code encourages all those involved in the farming of sheep and beef cattle to adopt the highest standards of animal handling and care."

Mr Carter said that, as with all codes of animal welfare, it provided guidelines that should leave farmers in no doubt about the standards of welfare they should meet.