On the 7th of September 2007 the Code of Welfare for Layer Hens - the Code regulating the battery hen industry - was amended by notice in the Gazette. This was possible as MAF claimed the changes were “minor” in nature, so there was no requirement for the issue to go before the House for debate. Several key definitions in the Code were altered, including the definitions of “cage” and “enriched cage”.  The Code no longer requires enriched cages to be larger than battery hen cages. 

ARLAN is concerned that these changes may reflect a move on the part of the government to make preparations for a transition to a modified battery cage system rather than a true phase out of cage systems in this country.

Members can read more about this issue in the latest issue of the ARLAN Report.

The Animal Welfare (Restriction on Docking of Dogs' Tails) Bill has now been officially abandoned by the government.

The Code of Welfare (Deer) was released in May. A copy of the Code can be viewed at MAF’s website 

The Code of Welfare (Companion Cats) was released March 1st  and became operative as of 2 March 2007. A copy of the Code can be viewed at MAF’s website

The Draft Animal Welfare (Dairy Cattle) Code of Welfare was released for public comment late last year. Submissions are now closed. To view a copy of the draft Code go to MAF’s website