Media releases

“We’re falling behind”: New Zealand must ban rodeo to sustain our position as leader in Animal Welfare Source: SAFE For Animals — Animal Rights organisation SAFE is urging the Government to follow quickly on the heels of Los Angeles and ban rodeo, to uphold the country’s animal welfare status. Read...

SAFE is ecstatic to learn the controversial Manukau Sports Bowl Greyhound racing track is set to be disestablished and replaced with an athletics track. The announcement came from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board on Friday, following a strong campaign from SAFE and widespread community support. Read more

In an historic move, fifteen of New Zealand’s leading animal advocacy groups have united to urgently call on the new Government to establish an independent Commissioner for Animals. The Alliance partner advocacy groups work across the spectrum of animal welfare issues – from animals used on farms, in entertainment, in...

Animal rights organisation SAFE is outraged that the incoming Government plans to bring back the cruel live export by sea trade. The coalition agreements between National, ACT and New Zealand First published on Friday commit to reversing the live export ban, which came into effect on 30 April 2023. Read...

Animal rights activists are set to descend on the capital this Saturday for the Wellington Animal Rights March. Initiated by a local grassroots activist group, Wellington Vegan Actions, and supported by SAFE, the march brings together activists from across the country to demand justice for animals from the incoming government....

One of New Zealand’s top greyhound trainers, John McInerney, has been charged by the Racing Integrity Board after one of his dogs tested positive for methamphetamine, and leaving another greyhound, Impressive Isla, suffering in pain and distress for five days. Read more

National and Labour leaders commit to greyhound racing ban in 1News Leaders’ Debate Source: SAFE For Animals — In a landmark moment for animal welfare, both the Labour and National party leaders pledged to ban greyhound racing during last night’s 1News Leaders’ debate. Read more

Animal rights organization SAFE is deeply disturbed that mass animal starvation has only resulted in a fine. A Ruawai farmer was sentenced on Tuesday after nearly half of the farmer’s 840 animals were found to be in poor health, suffering from diarrhoea and “emaciated”. Read more

A greyhound sustained a serious skull injury whilst racing at the Manawatu Raceway on Tuesday. After his leg became entangled, Go Norman’s head made heavy contact with the starting boxes. The force fractured his skull and caused a laceration over his right eye. Read more

The results of SAFE’s political survey published today demonstrate that most parliamentary parties neglect animal welfare. SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie says this stands in stark contrast to the sentiments of the New Zealand voting public. “While the Greens championed animal welfare, the other results were disheartening,” says Brodie. Read...

WARNING: graphic depiction of greyhound racing injuries. The greyhound Lolly Rapper couldn’t survive horrific injuries when she fell during a race on Friday 8 September 2023. She suffered a compound fracture where bones broke through her skin. She was subsequently euthanised. Read more

National will bring back the cruel live export trade – that’s the message animal rights organisation SAFE wants to remind voters ahead of the election this year with a nationwide advertising campaign. SAFE CEO Debra Ashton says the ban on live export must remain in place. Read more

This Sunday, SAFE joins Aotearoa Liberation League, Animal Save NZ, Climate Justice Taranaki, Animals Aotearoa and Freedom for the Animals in calling attention to the plight of bobby calves killed by New Zealand’s dairy industry. An estimated two million male calves will be killed within their first week of life...

Footage has been passed on to SAFE which shows sheep caked in mud and struggling to walk. The footage was shot in Southland on Sunday 13 August 2023. This property has had ongoing issues with winter grazing. Photos were taken in early July also showing sheep standing in mud. Read...