On 14 April 2021, Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor announced a ban on the export of live animals by sea – with a ‘wind down’ period of up to two years. However, two years is too long! 

The issue regarding this policy is that the conditions animals are transported in are inhumane. They are put under intensely stressful conditions due to rough seas, extreme temperatures and cramped spaces. And once these animals reach their destinations its not over.  At their destination they are no longer protected by New Zealand's animal welfare laws so the conditions they endure are unknown and they can be slaughtered in ways that are illegal in NZ. 

The Government needs to shorten the wind down period from two years to one and air export must also be included in this ban as animals suffer whether they are transported by sea or air. 

This petition will be sent to our local MP, Mark Mitchell to try and influence his vote during the second reading of this bill in parliament.