Tue, 03 Nov 2009 6:59p.m.
The Greens are accusing the Government of dragging its trotters over reforming how pigs can be treated.
However, Agriculture Minister David Carter, who ordered an urgent review of the Pig Code after concerns were raised about how pigs were treated, said a draft of the new code was nearly ready.
TVNZ's Sunday programme highlighted the issue of the treatment pigs in sow crates, showing footage taken in April at a break-in of an intensive pig farm where comedian Mike King, who had been a spokesman for the industry, expressed dismay at the animals' conditions.
However, a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry investigator found animal welfare laws were not broken.
TV3's Campbell Live showed new footage of a pig farm last night.
Today Green MP Sue Kedgley said the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (Nawac) review of the Pig Code had been delayed and she doubted it would be completed this year.
"New Zealanders are justifiably horrified by footage of the conditions pigs experience in sow crates and want urgent action to review the code and phase out sow crates."
Mr Carter said a draft of the new code would go out for consultation in about two weeks.
"It hasn't been delayed at all, we are expecting the draft out for consultation in a matter of weeks, which was always the process."
Under the 2005 pig code the amount of time a sow can be kept in a dry sow stall will be reduced to four weeks after mating from 2015.
Mr Carter has previously said he thought that lead-in was too long.
After submissions Nawac would make a final recommendation to Mr Carter.
"If it's not done according to the law it would be almost definitely judicially reviewed and Sue Kedgley knows this, she's just being irresponsible."
NZPA
