Change of duties for animal welfare inspectors
In 2023, MPI and the SPCA re-allocated their inspectorate duties.
Inspectorate services for both MPI and the SPCA operate under the Animal Welfare Act 1999
What has changed?
MPI is responsible for all large animals, such as horses, cattle, sheep, deer, goats, llamas, emus, alpacas, and pigs. This is regardless of whether they are companion animals or commercial animals, or on farms or lifestyle blocks.
The SPCA is responsible for calls relating to smaller companion animals such as cats, dogs, or rabbits, along with poultry within urban boundaries and birds.
Reasons for the 2023 change
As MPI was already responsible for commercially farmed livestock animals and when the number of animals exceeds 30 on a lifestyle block, the change allowed for better cohesion and alignment in the welfare work for livestock animals.
MPI and the SPCA remain committed to working together to deliver an effective animal welfare compliance and enforcement system.
Timetable for the changes: a phased approach
The changes happened gradually from 20 February until 1 July 2023.
- 20 February: Gisborne, Whanganui, West Coast, Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough, and Southland.
- 1 April: Rest of the South Island and the lower North Island
- 1 July: Upper North Island
MPI is increasing the size of its inspectorate team to fulfil the transferred responsibilities.
MPI and SPCA responsibilities under the change
SPCA responsibility | MPI responsibility |
---|---|
Companion dogs, cats and any small animal kept as a pet regardless of location | Cattle, deer (captured/ farmed), horses, alpacas, llamas, sheep and goats regardless of number or location |
All hunting related complaints | Pigs regardless of location (as a critical animal at risk of foot and mouth disease) |
Birds, regardless whether caged or wild | Emus and ostriches |
Poultry within urban boundaries | Poultry on lifestyle blocks, rural properties, and commercial facilities |
Relevant animals at petting zoos | Relevant animals at petting zoos and zoos with exotic animals |
One-off individual acts of cruelty to pests (such as wallabies and possums) | Population management/pest management activities and bird poisoning incidents |
Non-race day greyhounds | Race day greyhounds and registered racehorses |