News

By now, you may have come across the headlines about the government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, which has been gaining attention recently. You may even have heard some of the many concerns raised by environmentalists, animal welfare organisations, indigenous leaders and advocates across the spectrum.  But how did we get here?...

SAFE is urgently calling on the Environment Committee to reject the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill, and is urging New Zealanders to rally behind the call. The proposed Bill, currently under consideration with the Environment select committee, has sparked widespread concern among environmentalists, indigenous advocates, and animal welfare organisations. Read more

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...