Media releases

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...

Thirteen greyhounds lost their lives in the 2023/24 racing season, almost doubling the seven reported in the previous season. SAFE Campaigns Manager Emma Brodie says the increase in fatalities, coupled with a rise in broken bones from 89 to 111, is a clear indication that the inherent dangers of racing...

SAFE (Save Animals from Exploitation) is urgently calling on the Government to intercept two intensive chicken farms proposed for Waikato, which would see nearly a half a million birds enduring confinement in overcrowded conditions, with avian influenza looming large. Read more

Animal rights organisation SAFE was stunned to hear Racing Minister Winston Peters’ recent comments about the future of greyhound racing. Winston Peters made headlines with his remarks during a select committee meeting and to media on Tuesday this week, stating he won’t ‘rush his decision’ on the future of greyhound...

SAFE is proud to back the Greenpeace initiated March for Nature to stand up against the government’s reckless Fast-Track Approvals Bill. Taking place on 8 June in Auckland, the march will bring together activists from across the country to demand justice for our precious environment, and for those who inhabit...

Yet another dog has died on New Zealand’s racetracks, prompting a renewed urgency in the calls for an end to the greyhound racing industry. On 24 May, Rapido Scud tragically died following a race at Hatrick Raceway in Wanganui. The dog collapsed at the lure and was pronounced dead upon...