Introduce enforceable shade and shelter standards for all farmed animals

That the House of Representatives strengthen animal welfare legislation by introducing mandatory, measurable, and enforceable standards ensuring all farmed animals have adequate, accessible shade and shelter to protect them from extreme heat, cold, and adverse weather.

New Zealand’s Animal Welfare Act 1999 recognises animals as sentient beings, which means they are capable of experiencing pain, discomfort, distress, and suffering. Despite existing animal welfare obligations, farmed animals may still be kept in paddocks with limited or inadequate protection from extreme heat, direct sunlight, heavy rainfall, wind and cold. Exposure to these conditions can cause significant physical and psychological distress, compromising their health and wellbeing.