New Zealand Political Parties' Positions on Animal Welfare Examined in SPCA Scorecard

In September, the SPCA posed 12 questions to seven political parties, ultimately including 11 issues in its scorecard. The parties that responded were ACT, the Animal Justice Party, the Greens, New Zealand First, Labour, National, and Opportunity.

The SPCA noted that approximately two-thirds of New Zealand households own at least one companion animal, while research shows that 95 percent of New Zealand adults believe in the importance of protecting the welfare of farmed animals.

One of the SPCA's main concerns is the reform of the 30-year-old Dog Control Act, citing a rise in dog bite incidents, roaming dogs, and inconsistent enforcement across councils. There was a consensus among political parties on the need for legislative change. National stated that the Government is already reviewing the legislation to tackle increasing attacks and roaming dogs. Labour agreed, emphasizing the need for safe parks and neighborhoods, while ACT mentioned the potential need for enhanced council powers. New Zealand First also endorsed updating the law to strengthen enforcement and focus on owner accountability.

The SPCA called for increased regulation of dog breeders and facilities, highlighting the problems caused by inadequate oversight on breeding and health issues. However, opinions diverged on intensive farming practices. The SPCA wants to phase out farrowing crates for pigs, which restrict normal behavior during and after birth. The Greens and Animal Justice Party supported this phase-out, while Labour sought a long-term solution for pig welfare, opposing a government decision to extend the use of the crates.

National and ACT defended the 2025 changes that reduce confinement periods and offer farmers more security in animal husbandry practices. New Zealand First criticized what it views as impractical bans on animal welfare regulations.

Disagreements also surfaced regarding colony cages for egg-laying hens, with the SPCA advocating their elimination due to the confinement of hens. The Greens, Opportunity, and Animal Justice Party supported phasing out colony cages, while ACT opposed further regulations on grounds that it could increase egg costs. National emphasized that future actions should rely on independent scientific advice.

On the topic of fireworks, opinions were sharply divided. The SPCA called for a ban on private sale and use of fireworks, citing the distress they cause to animals, advocating for controlled public displays instead. The Greens and Animal Justice Party supported the ban, while New Zealand First and ACT did not favor any prohibition, citing considerations of personal freedom and cultural traditions.

Labour recognized the potential harm from private fireworks but had not yet released a comprehensive animal welfare policy.

Additionally, the SPCA sought national legislation for the microchipping and desexing of companion cats to curb overpopulation issues, receiving support from the Greens, Animal Justice Party, and New Zealand First. ACT indicated it had not yet established a formal stance on this issue.

The SPCA also pushed for stricter welfare standards for imported animal products and raised concerns over changes to donation tax credits, which could reduce available funding for animal welfare services.

The organization clarified that this scorecard is not meant to be the sole resource for voting decisions but serves as a comparative tool for assessing the animal welfare policies of political parties.