Key hints at pig farm rule changes

Advisers review 2005 code

Intensive pig farming and the pig code need to change if images shown on a television programme reflect the state of the industry nationally, Prime Minister John Key says.

TVNZ's Sunday programme recently broadcast footage of an animal rights organisation showing comedian Mike King around a pig farm they had broken into.

King, a long-standing frontman for a campaign advertising pork, said he was deeply ashamed of his past role. He reported that the pigs were unable to move and obviously in distress, chewing at the cage bars and frothing at the mouth.

In Parliament, Green MP Sue Kedgley asked Mr Key about the case, which he previously described as "very, very disturbing".

Mr Key said Agriculture Minister David Carter was looking into the issue and the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, which advises ministers, was considering the 2005 pig code. The SPCA and Federated Farmers are represented on the committee.

"If those images that were displayed on the Sunday programme are in any way a reflection of the industry in New Zealand, then I would expect changes to that code and changes to the industry," Mr Key said.

Ms Kedgley asked why Mr Carter appeared stunned by the images when he knew of the widespread used of sow crates because he had a briefing from the lobby group Campaign Against Factory Farming in 2005. He was also given documents on the issue and was sent emails about it. Mr Key said he had confidence in Mr Carter.

The Agriculture Ministry is investigating the piggery filmed.

The farm is owned by former Pork Industry Board chairman Colin Kay, who said the pigs did not normally behave the way shown in the footage.

The Pork Industry Board said long-term use of sow stalls was being phased out and the programme did not represent the industry as a whole.

- NZPA

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Michael Morris   #3   02:10 pm May 28 2009

Of course he knew. I told him, and I can prove it.

jenny forster   #2   06:52 pm May 27 2009

Who are the representatives on the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee? I believe only one rep. is from the SPCA? Are the rest from the industry, in which case is really currupt. Surely the Agricultural Minister, David Carter must have known about how disgusting this type of farming is. It is all profit driven.

Socialist Craig   #1   12:11 pm May 27 2009

Key should have Carter replaced as Agriculture Minister. Under his watch, live sheep exports to Saudi Arabia have recommenced. Couple this with the pig issue, shows that Carter is happy with farm animal welfare being a low priority.

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