Media releases

SAFE is calling for an independent inquiry after evidence of severe violence towards sheep was captured across 34 farms. Workers on New Zealand sheep farms were filmed beating, cutting, and throwing sheep to the ground, with one individual seen stomping on the neck of a sheep. Read more

Animal rights organisation SAFE is urging the Commerce Commission to enforce honest egg labelling after polling shows most Kiwis don’t realise ‘colony-laid’ eggs come from caged hens. Currently, all New Zealand cage egg brands omit the word ‘cage’ entirely from their packaging, using vague and confusing terms like ‘colony’ or...

Animal rights organisation SAFE is reinforcing its call for the immediate release of the revised rodeo code of welfare following the deaths of two animals over the new year period. The first fatality was of a horse used in the Taupō rodeo. The horse was exhibiting lameness following the event...

On the very same day the Government announced a historic decision to ban greyhound racing in New Zealand, a dog named Diamond Roman suffered a catastrophic injury and was killed following a race at Southland’s Ascot Park Raceway. Diamond Roman is the sixth greyhound to die this racing season, which...

Animal rights organisation SAFE is elated with the Government’s announcement today that it will ban greyhound racing in New Zealand. “Today marks the end of an era of exploitation,” says Campaign Manager Emma Brodie. “We are relieved the Government is finally bringing an end to a practice responsible for the...

SAFE condemns the Government’s announcement that it is progressing legislation to reinstate live export by sea, calling it a betrayal of public trust and a devastating step backward for animal rights in New Zealand. Read more

SAFE is urgently calling on Environment Canterbury to stop the harmful wastewater disposal practices at Silver Fern Farms’ Pareora slaughterhouse near Timaru. Shocking footage obtained by SAFE reveals substantial volumes of toxic wastewater flowing directly into the ocean, raising alarm over environmental degradation and grave risks to marine life. Read...

With the 2025/25 rodeo season due to commence this Sunday 3 November, animal rights organisation SAFE is reinforcing its call for a ban. SAFE Campaign Manager Emily Hall says rodeo events directly breach New Zealand’s Animal Welfare Act, with animals used at these events subjected to extreme psychological and physical...

SAFE is demanding the Government urgently ban greyhound racing following the tragic death of yet another dog. On Friday, 18 October, What’s On sustained a catastrophic spinal fracture during a race at Addington Raceway in Christchurch. The injury was so severe the dog had to be euthanised. Read more

Animal rights organisation SAFE is expressing deep frustration after the Petitions Select Committee dismissed its call to ban colony cages. The petition, signed by over 22,000 concerned New Zealanders, was presented to the House in June 2023, but the Committee has opted not to take further action. Read more

Animal rights organisation SAFE is alarmed by the inclusion of at least 14 fish farm developments in the Government’s recently released list of projects selected for fast tracking. These projects are being rushed through as a result of the new Fast Track Approvals Bill, with SAFE expressing concern at the...

Animal rights organisation SAFE is horrified by the staggering number of lambs dying in Southland as extreme weather continues to take its toll. Between August and mid-September, over 70,000 lambs have died, including 25,000 in just one week. These numbers, from the account of a single source, are likely only...

SAFE is renewing its urgent call for a ban on greyhound racing after the first race-related death of the 2024/25 season. Rocket Queen suffered a catastrophic compound fracture to her right leg during a race at Addington Raceway, Christchurch, on 20 September 2024. Read more

Animal rights organisation SAFE is outraged after receiving footage showing dead sheep and lambs on a Southland mud farm. Captured on the 7th and 8th September along State Highway 94, the footage reveals harrowing scenes of animal suffering, with numerous animals deceased across a mud-soaked paddock and others visibly shivering...