Media releases

Auckland City Council caught up in live export wrangle

April 1st, 2021

It has been revealed that in 2020, Auckland Regional Parks sold a small number of cows to live animal exporters, according to a tip off received by animal rights organisation SAFE. Cows raised on well known parks like Ambury Park were exported to China. Read more

Four live export ships heading for Ahuriri port – SAFE NZ

March 31st, 2021

The live export ships Dareen, Yangtze Fortune, Yangze Harmony and Galloway Express are scheduled to arrive at the port in Ahuriri within the next ten days. The number of animals to be exported is currently unknown. Cabinet is expected to decide on the future of the live export trade within...

Auckland’s Cornwall Park is ‘raising animals for the live export trade’ – SAFE NZ

March 31st, 2021

Members of the public are outraged to learn that cows farmed on Epsom’s Cornwall Park have been sold to live animal exporters. Cornwall Park was gifted to the Cornwall Park Trust Board in 1901 by Sir John Logan Campbell, who wished the park would be used for the general benefit...

The Suez Canal crisis creates more fears for New Zealand animals

March 29th, 2021

The Guardian has reported that 20 live export ships are delayed, due to the stricken container ship Ever Given, which is currently blocking the Suez Canal. If the situation isn’t resolved, thousands of animals could be killed. SAFE CEO Debra Ashton said it’s the latest in a series of live...

Fish are suffering on an industry-wide scale, scathing Scottish salmon farm investigation reveals

March 24th, 2021

An undercover investigation of the Scottish salmon industry and its accompanying report released today reveal suffering, breaches of Scottish animal welfare law and shocking mortality rates. It uncovers the grim reality for many fish raised in sea cages to produce world-famous Scottish salmon. Read more

Gruesome injuries and even death face animals at the Mad Bull rodeo – SAFE

March 23rd, 2021

The annual rodeo season continues this weekend at the Mad Bull rodeo in Otago. Like last season, animals will be at risk of injury or death. Two animals died last rodeo season, both at ‘Mad Bull’ rodeo events in Otago. SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said the treatment of animals at...

Govt is failing to stop the suffering of hundreds of millions of chickens – SAFE

March 22nd, 2021

New Zealand raises over 120 million chickens for meat every year who have been selectively bred for rapid growth. They’re still babies when they’re slaughtered at six weeks of age. The combination of rapid growth and dirty, overcrowded farming conditions puts these birds at risk of suffering from debilitating and...

Delays to winter grazing regulations put calves and their mothers at risk – SAFE NZ

March 17th, 2021

The Government is delaying the introduction of new winter grazing regulations after bowing to pressure from agriculture lobbyists. The regulations were meant to come into effect from May 2021, but the Government has deferred new regulations to 2022, allowing the sector to self-regulate in the interim. Read more

Gruesome injuries and even death face animals abused this rodeo season

March 16th, 2021

Rodeo veterinarian reports obtained under the Official Information Act show that about 30 injuries and one death have occurred at rodeo events so far this season (up until 20 February). The injuries recorded include lacerations, injury to horns, lameness and choking injuries. Read more

Fine for the abuse of 250 calves a slap on the wrist – SAFE NZ

March 10th, 2021

This week Anthony Brolly was sentenced in the Taupō District Court on seven animal welfare charges. He was fined $12,000 and ordered to pay costs of $5,292 after he failed to feed, adequately treat and prevent parasites in 245 calves, and ill-treated five calves. Read more

Cows put at risk while Cabinet ponders live export’s future – SAFE

March 4th, 2021

The live export ship Ocean Ute is scheduled to arrive at Port Taranaki tomorrow to export thousands of cows. This is the second time Ocean Ute has exported animals from New Zealand this year. Radio New Zealand reported today that a paper has been sent to Cabinet, with a decision...

Animals will be ‘at risk of injury or death’ at the Waimate rodeo this weekend

February 25th, 2021

The annual rodeo season continues this weekend at the Waimate rodeo. Like last year, animals will be at risk of injury or death. Two animals died last rodeo season, both at ‘Mad Bull’ rodeo events in Otago. SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said the treatment of animals at rodeo events is...

Animals will be ‘at risk of injury or death’ at the Maniototo rodeo this weekend

February 25th, 2021

The annual rodeo season continues this weekend at the Maniototo rodeo near Waipiata. Like last year, animals will be at risk of injury or death. Two animals died last rodeo season, both at ‘Mad Bull’ rodeo events in Otago. SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said the treatment of animals at rodeo...

Live export ships stranded at sea reignites concerns about the trade

February 23rd, 2021

Thousands of cattle remain stranded at sea on two livestock ships that left Spain on 18 December. The two vessels, Elbeik and Karim Allah, were bound for Libya. But following an onboard outbreak of the viral disease bluetongue, they’ve both been refused entry at multiple ports. Read more

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