The Ministry for Primary Industries has released a new animal welfare strategy.
The Government says the strategy, Animal Welfare Matters, sets a formal foundation for New Zealand animal welfare legislation and policy.
The strategy identifies four areas in which New Zealand can improve.
They are better planning and animal husbandry, clearer expectations and sanctions, and introducing performance measurements for animal welfare.
The strategy follows public consultation last year when more than 2000 submissions were received.
The Government will introduce new legislation soon to update the Animal Welfare Act.
