Media releases

The Government has just announced a review of the greyhound racing industry, following reports from SAFE, Greyhound Protection League and Grey2K USA Worldwide of ongoing cruelty within the greyhound racing industry. In the announcement, Minister for Racing Grant Robertson said he is not satisfied the industry is improving animal welfare,...

The Government today has announced a ban on the export of livestock by sea. The trade will be phased out over two years. SAFE CEO Debra Ashton said she’s pleased to see the Government is taking animal welfare seriously. “SAFE has been campaigning on this issue for many years because...

Six dogs have suffered broken legs at New Zealand greyhound races in the past two weeks. On Sunday, in a video broadcast by the TAB, in Race 3 at Auckland, greyhound All Day Long suffered a harrowing fall and broken leg. On the same day, at the same track, Spring...

Locals in Timaru and Ahuriri preparing for protests this Saturday and Sunday respectively due to the influx of live export ships Aotearoa has seen this week. Two live export ships arrived at Ahuriri this week, with another two arriving this weekend. Thousands of cows were loaded on another live export...

The annual rodeo season concludes this weekend at the grand final rodeo in Taupō. 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...

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

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...

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 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...

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

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...

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...

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

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