New Slaughter Code raises problems for rural butchers

Federated Farmers Rural Butchers is looking work with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAF) to ensure that all rural butchers understand the new Animal Welfare (Commercial Slaughter) Code of Welfare 2010, published recently.

“Federated Farmers Rural Butchers was looking to Government to issue a completely separate code for rural butchers, as opposed to a ‘one shoe’ solution covering the entire all meat processing sector,” says Mike Hanson, Federated Farmers Rural Butchers chairperson.

“It’s a question of scale because the Code applies equally to whether you are the largest processing plant in New Zealand or a sole trader homekill operation.

“While Federated Farmers Rural Butchers supports the need for new codes, this one requires all stock to be stunned before they are slaughtered.

“It takes no account of the fact that rural butchers are trained to very high standards in the humane dispatch of animals. In my experience, I’m not aware of any qualified rural butcher who has faced an animal cruelty charge.

“Federated Farmers Rural Butchers is especially looking out for the interests of those who will face practical and financial issues. For sole traders especially, it will be a big imposition as the Code also raises health and safety issues for our members.

“While many of our members deploy multiple solutions, some sole traders will struggle to carry out the tasks required of them under the new Code. It’s something we intend to take up with the MAF once we get wider feedback from affected members.

“As the Code is issued under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, any failure to abide by its standards can lead to prosecution.

“Federated Farmers Rural Butchers is now working to educate homekill providers about the Code’s requirement. We will work with MAF Biosecurity New Zealand to ensure that the requirements are met but with the least financial risk to our industry sector.

“Federated Farmers Rural Butchers will also look to get MAF officials out with rural butchers to highlight some of the practical difficulties the Code raises,” Mr Hanson concluded.