News

SAFE is today launching a nationwide campaign aimed at the new government, issuing an urgent call to preserve the ban on live animal export. The campaign is calling on New Zealanders to add their names to a parliamentary petition, headed by Former Chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee...

As a country known for its commitment to animal welfare and ethical standards, New Zealand has long prided itself on leading by example. One of the most significant steps we’ve taken in this regard is the ban on live export—a crucial measure that upholds our values and protects the well-being...

The distressing emergency stop of the Al Kuwait in Cape Town has revealed a grim spectacle of suffering and neglect. With 19,000 cows aboard, this voyage has laid bare the cruel reality of live export by sea. Disturbing images have surfaced revealing dead, dying, diseased and distressed cattle, some of...

The consequences of the previous Government’s delay on banning greyhound racing has resulted in countless injuries and deaths – with two dogs killed in Christchurch already this year. Miss Madrid, aged four, was euthanised at Addington Raceway on 26 January 2024 after she suffered two broken legs while racing. Read...

A year has now passed since a leaked draft Code of Welfare for Rodeo hit New Zealand headlines, proposing significant changes to the treatment of animals in rodeo events. Despite the urgency of the matter, the draft code is still in limbo, with the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC)...

An animal welfare group is warning reversing the ban on live exports will turn us into an international laughing stock. Labour [Party] banned live exports in April, but the government is promising to overturn the ban with new safety rules in place. SAFE [Save Animals From Exploitation] Chief Executive Debra...

SAFE is renewing calls for the Prime Minister to stand behind his words and ban greyhound racing after horrific injuries claim the life of yet another greyhound. The greyhound, Thrilling Herbie, has been euthanised after fracturing both hocks at Whanganui’s Hatrick Raceway on 1 December. Read more

Past time to address the cow in the room: Government must take drastic steps to reducing methane emissions from animal agriculture Source: SAFE For Animals — Animal rights organisation SAFE is urging the new Government to take seriously warnings about the urgent need to reduce methane from farmed animals, to...

“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....

The results of the 2023 general election are in, and it seems Aotearoa will now be shifting to a National-led Government. Naturally, many Kiwis will be curious about how this change will impact SAFE’s ongoing campaign work, and more broadly, New Zealand’s animals. Rest assured, whatever may eventuate in the...