An important step toward fixing this broken system is establishing a Commissioner for Animals to provide the independent oversight and accountability needed to deliver better outcomes for animals.
Animal protection under the law
Originally enacted in 1999, the Animal Welfare Act recognises animals as sentient beings and establishes duties to protect them. But the current animal welfare system framework is not strong enough to deliver the level of protection animals need. Despite having legally binding legislation, the current system fails to adequately protect and represent the interests of animals.
What’s wrong with the current animal welfare system?
Animal welfare is currently overseen by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which is also responsible for growing New Zealand’s primary industries and increasing exports. This means MPI must both support industries that profit from the use of animals and enforce the laws intended to protect those animals. These competing responsibilities create an inherent conflict, where the interests and wellbeing of animals too often come second to industry and economic interests.
Within the current system, conflicts of interest and industry capture are rife. Our animal welfare framework lacks the independent oversight needed to ensure animal welfare is genuinely prioritised. And without this vital independent oversight, the interests of animals are overshadowed by those of the trade and agriculture sectors.
A Commissioner for Animals offers a practical, balanced and constructive step forward – one which would result in significantly improved outcomes for animals.
National support for a Commissioner for Animals
Commissioners play a vital role in ensuring good conduct, fair and transparent representation, and accountability both inside and outside the public sector, and the principle of independent oversight is already well established in New Zealand. For example, we have commissioners and officers of parliament to represent the interests of children, the environment, privacy, our aged community, and human rights.
Animals deserve the same level of representation. The Commissioner for Animals Alliance is a strong and diverse coalition of 22 animal protection organisations united behind this call for reform.
Polling reveals the public want better protections for animals
New Zealanders have high expectations of how animals are treated, and polling undertaken by SAFE and Verian (in 2025) confirmed that people certainly expect more than what the current system is delivering.
This polling told us that:
- 96% of Kiwis believe it’s important to protect animals from cruelty and neglect.
- 85% think it’s important that decisions relating to animal welfare law are made by an independent and impartial party.
- And 67% support the idea of NZ having a commissioner to oversee animal welfare.
An independent commissioner would help strengthen public confidence that decisions are being made transparently and with the welfare of animals as the priority, rather than being shaped by industry objectives or vested interests.
How would a Commissioner for Animals secure better outcomes for animals?
The establishment of a Commissioner for Animals would help ensure:
- Better transparency and accountability
- Adequate consideration of scientific evidence
- It would bolster public confidence
- And it would ensure a more consistent application of animal welfare legislation
Most importantly, animals and their welfare will be prioritised in decision-making, rather than falling secondary to industry and economic interests.
Petition update
In March 2026, SAFE and the Commissioner for Animals Alliance submitted a petition signed by over 31,500 people calling on Parliament to create an independent Commissioner for Animals to provide impartial oversight and accountability of our animal welfare system.
In September 2026, the Parliamentary Petitions Committee released their report recommending that the Government: ‘investigate how oversight of New Zealand’s animal welfare system could be improved.’
This is a milestone achievement and provides real momentum for change.
Establishing a Commissioner for Animals is unique opportunity that would bring New Zealand into line with other countries making significant progress in strengthening animal welfare protections and oversight.
What can I do to help?
- Learn more about New Zealand’s broken animal welfare system
- Donate to support SAFE’s work and help create a better future for animals
- Learn how you can take action for animals today
