Controversial New Zealand pig welfare code faces legal obstacles

The release of a new code of pig welfare in New Zealand has been put on hold due to threats of legal action by the Pork Industry Board.

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has relooked the code following public concerns over sow crates in pig housing. However, NAWAC proposed to release the draft code for public consultation, but last week it received a letter regarding legal action.

Agriculture Minister David Carter has stated that further discussions with the Pork Industry Board will proceed first before releasing the draft code.

The code has attracted controversy after wide-spread media coverage of pigs being kept in cramped stalls inside large sheds. However, a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry investigator found animal welfare laws were not broken at the 'well-managed' piggery.

Carter said at the time animal welfare concerns mattered and affected sales.

The current code states that the amount of time a sow can be kept in a dry sow stall will be reduced to four weeks after mating from 2015.