The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (Nawac) is asking people to put forward their views as part of its consultation on proposed changes to the Animal Welfare (Dairy Cattle) Code of Welfare 2010.
Nawac is New Zealand's independent animal welfare advisory committee to the minister for primary industries. It has reviewed the code specifically to address long-term housing of dairy cattle.
The key amendments proposed are the addition of a section to address behavioural needs for all dairy cattle. And the outdated sections about stand-off areas and feed pads, and housing cows and calves, are to be removed and replaced with a new section about off-pasture management systems.
Nawac chairman John Hellstrom said the code had to be updated because off-pasture management systems for dairy cattle, including purpose-built housing, were becoming increasingly common in New Zealand.
''Farmers are already seeing the benefits of these systems in effluent management, feed intake monitoring, winter shelter and pasture protection.
''However, facilities have to be designed and managed with the welfare of the animals in mind,'' Dr Hellstrom said.
Nawac had worked with dairying, science and veterinary experts to draw up the proposed changes so farmers considering such systems could make sure the animal welfare needs of cattle were met.
The review was based on an animal welfare risk assessment of off-pasture management systems to ensure proposals were based on the most recent science.
''We expect a lot of interest on this issue.
''It's important that people express their views on these proposals so that we can ensure any new minimum standards reflect not only best practice, but also New Zealand's animal welfare expectations,'' Dr Hellstrom said.
Submissions close on December 3.
Nawac will also use the submissions to inform future advice to the primary industries minister on regulations for livestock housing, for if the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill goes ahead. This Bill is under consideration by the Primary Production Select Committee at present.
For information on making submissions, visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult