December 19, 2007

New Zealand threatens to shut down livestock export

New Zealand may prohibit the export of livestock for slaughter if the nation's reputation continues to suffer, Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton said.

A review of the Government's live export policies expressed concerns about the treatment and handling of livestock, and slaughter practices in importing countries.

It also looked at the potential impact on New Zealand's reputation as a responsible exporter of agricultural products, Anderton said

The Green Party in New Zealand has been campaigning for years against the export of live sheep and cattle for slaughter overseas.

Live animal exports from Australia and New Zealand have received bad press after importers in the Middle East allegedly subjected them to extreme cruelty before slaughter.