We, the public of New Zealand call on the House of Representatives to:

Amend The Animal Welfare Act 1999 to include the mandatory de-sexing of companion animals, especially dogs and cats. 

The best way to address the huge problem of unwanted, dumped, abandoned, and abused litters of puppies, kittens, as well as adult dogs and cats, is to prevent the situation from happening in the first place.  The introduction of mandatory de-sexing would immediately achieve this.

However, to protect the rights of responsible owners, specific exemption categories should exist for owners who are registered breeders, fall under other specific exemption categories such as disability assist dogs, working dogs, or dogs that are registered in a recognised society such as a gun club, trial club, and such.  Provisions for special circumstances, where necessary, such as de-sex deferment for giant dog breeds might also be appropriate.

Re-appoint a Minister of Animal Welfare as a separate portfolio.

The portfolios of Minister of Animal Welfare and Minister of Agriculture were combined in 2018.  The role of the Minister of Animal Welfare should be a distinct and independent portfolio, so that any inherent or potential conflicts of interest, are removed.

Appoint an independent Animal Welfare Commissioner.

An independent Animal Welfare Commissioner should be appointed to urgently investigate the poor state of animal welfare in New Zealand, as well as set up, and oversee, an animal welfare collective of all stakeholders that include agencies and advocates, such as animal rescue organisations, animal advocates, MPI, SPCA and Local Government Councils.

In summary, in signing this petition you are supporting a call to amend The Animal Welfare Act 1999 to include the mandatory de-sexing of companion animals, especially dogs and cats, the re-appointment of a Minister of Animal Welfare as a separate portfolio, and the appointment of an independent Animal Welfare Commissioner.

About The ARC nz:

The state of animal welfare in New Zealand is poor and a cause for concern. We are a wealthy first-world nation who can do a lot better to improve the lives of the animals under our care.  The ARC nz, Animal Rescuers Collective, is set up to connect and unite passionate animal lovers, advocates and activists alike.  We want to unite our voices to campaign for the improvement of the welfare of animals in New Zealand.

If you are saddened, disturbed and outraged by the state of animal welfare in New Zealand, we invite you to join The ARC nz. Let us unite to be a collective public voice for our animals. Let us ignite change and bridge the gap between where animal welfare is, and where it should be. Let us hear their plight and save our animals to ensure that New Zealand is haven of protection, security and refuge for them.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/thearcnz/