Welfare codes and regulations
We require all our suppliers to comply fully with the latest codes of welfare that are applicable.
In New Zealand the codes of welfare form part of the Animal Welfare Act which all suppliers must comply with
These codes are maintained and published by the Ministry of Primary Industries. Of particular relevance to the dairy industry are:
- Code of welfare for dairy cattle
- Code of welfare for painful husbandry procedures
- Code of welfare for commercial slaughter of animals
- Code of welfare for transport of animals in New Zealand
- A guide to the welfare of bobby calves during transport
In addition to these codes we fully support the additional guidance provided by DairyNZ on animals
Compliance with the New Zealand Animal Welfare Act and Code of Welfare is enforced by NZ Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) animal welfare inspectors
In support of the Animal Welfare (Dairy Cattle) Code of Welfare, Fonterra has its own policy regarding animal welfare and the procurement of milk in New Zealand by Fonterra.
This policy includes regular farm assessments.