Code targets dogs' wellbeing

A new draft code for the welfare of dogs has been released for public consultation and it says all dogs should be fed at least once a day.

The code highlights minimum levels of feeding, watering and shelter for pet and working dogs. It also gives recommended best-practice guidelines.

Anyone interested in making submissions on the draft code have a month to get their thoughts to the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) at MAF.

The draft code has regulations on buying or adopting, feeding, housing, desexing, breeding and euthanising dogs.

NAWAC's chairman Peter O'Hara says the draft dogs code was written by a group convened by the New Zealand Companion Animal Council, in consultation with NAWAC. Animal welfare organisations, breeders, farmers, local councils and veterinarians were consulted during the development of the draft code.

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Submissions must be in before 1 November.

The draft code for the welfare of dogs is available on MAF's website at www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/strategy/ consultation/draft-code-of-welfare- dogs.pdf