Media releases

The annual rodeo season opens this weekend with the Winchester Rodeo on Saturday, and the Methven Rodeo on Sunday. Like last year, animals will be at risk of injury or death. Two animals died last rodeo season, both at the ‘Mad Bull’ rodeo in Otago. SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said...

While New Zealand is gearing up to lift a temporary ban on live exports, 25 crew have tested positive for COVID-19 on the livestock carrier Al Messilah, which is docked at Fremantle Port in Western Australia. The ship, which was due to be loading animals for export, has been delayed...

Animal rights organisation SAFE has big expectations around colony cages for the next Labour government. SAFE CEO Debra Ashton said with a majority of the seats in Parliament, Labour can make quick progress on animal welfare. “Labour can really get things done now, like fulfilling some broken promises on animal...

Current polling suggests the Labour party will need the Greens to form a new Government and this could mean big gains for animals. SAFE CEO Debra Ashton said the two parties have already agreed on a phaseout of cruel colony cages in previous election campaigns. Read more

A Waihi dairy farming couple were fined over $7,500 yesterday for serious animal welfare charges. Between 2018 and 2019, three cows had to be euthanised to end their suffering, and 30 cows required urgent remedial treatment due to significant underfeeding. Read more A reminder of our responsibility: The Animal Welfare...

Wellington City Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons is campaigning to ban the use of fireworks within a two-kilometre radius around Wellington Zoo. SAFE campaigns manager Marianne Macdonald said it’s a good move and would like to see the ban go further. “Wildlife, companion animals and farmed animals can all suffer physical and...

SAFE – Animal Rights Charity Animal rights organisation SAFE is joining Extinction Rebellion at their demonstration at The Press Leaders Debate, to be held at the Christchurch Town Hall tonight. SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said more needs to be done if we are to avoid the worst effects of the...

SAFE has launched a brand new Dairy-Free Challenge to coincide with World Vegetarian Month this October. SAFE Eat Kind Programme Coordinator Kylie Dale said “Going dairy-free is a great move for your health, for our planet and for animals.” In Wednesday night’s leaders debate, host Patrick Gower asked the Labour...

In a new TV commercial launched this week, SAFE is telling politicians, “It’s time to put the chicken before the egg.” SAFE CEO Debra Ashton said hens have been waiting for six years for colony cages to be banned. “The Labour and the Green parties both made commitments to ban...

SAFE CEO Debra Ashton and SPCA CEO Andrea Midgen have co-authored a letter to Jacinda Ardern asking her to show the world just how kind New Zealand is by banning the export of live animals. The letter was published in this morning’s edition of the New Zealand Herald and a...

Animal rights organisation SAFE will host an international virtual protest this evening against the live export trade. Over 6,000 people have registered to attend the protest, who are all calling on the New Zealand Government to permanently ban the export of live animals. Read more

The Ministry for Primary Industries has today launched an independent review into the assurances for safe transport of livestock by sea. Mike Heron QC has been appointed to lead the review, which is expected to take about a month. SAFE Campaigns Manager Marianne Macdonald says this review won’t make a...

In an interview with RNZ Checkpoint yesterday, Dr John Hellstrom ONZM described his first-hand experience seeing New Zealand cattle suffer overseas which, in his view, meant a ban on live export is necessary. His concerns highlight the need to ensure all animals are treated humanely and protected from unnecessary suffering...

The Gulf Livestock 1 has a history of engine problems. During a voyage in July 2019, the livestock vessel drifted for 25 hours whilst undergoing repairs following an engine failure. Australasian Global Exports (AGE), the company exporting the 5,867 cows on the Gulf Livestock 1 before it capsized, was reprimanded...