Farm transport best in the world

"NZ has the chance to set an international benchmark for transporting sheep and beef cattle within its borders," says Bruce Wills, Fed Farmers Meat and Fibre spokesperson.  "We already have some of the highest ethical standards in the world for animal husbandry, care and handling, which is why it is important to encourage all those responsible for stock transportation to equal or exceed these standards. "Federated Farmers takes animal welfare very seriously and maintaining high standards when it comes to stock transport is a key contributor to NZ's economy. "NZ enjoys a high level of animal husbandry, care and management. This is why our product is sort after in the international market. Keeping these high ethical standards allows us to produce well-conditioned stock, which makes good business sense for NZ. "Fed Farmers works closely with the MAF on animal welfare matters and is a member of the NAWAC. By working together we can ensure farm animals are properly treated when it comes to transportation.  "Our high animal welfare standards, from a legislative perspective, place NZ at the forefront of worldwide stock transport standards. "Unlike Australia, which exports thousands of live sheep and beef cattle every year, NZ has tough restrictions on the export of live animals. Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, it is an offence to export live animals without an animal welfare export certificate from MAF.  "Federated Farmers encourages the agricultural community, including transport operators, to continue to strive towards a high level of animal welfare. Everyone has the moral obligation to treat all animals humanely. "It is not acceptable to allow animals to suffer as a result of deliberate ill treatment, neglect or poor management practices. Federated Farmers promotes sound farm management and animal welfare practices. "Federated Farmers congratulates NAWAC and MAF for addressing the minimum care and handling standards for sheep and beef cattle transportation," Mr Wills concluded.