AJP believes that animal welfare and protection is a social justice issue intrinsically linked to other areas where the vulnerable are exploited, for example, human rights, labour rights and environmental justice.
There are several Commissions and Commissioners in New Zealand dedicated to improving these societal issues, such as the Human Rights Commission, the Climate Change Commission and the Children’s Commissioner. They provide independent information and recommendations to the Government.
Currently the regulation of the welfare of animals is the responsibility of the Minister of Primary Industries and the Minister of Agriculture. New Zealand does not have a Commissioner for Animals who is independent to the Government and who can advocate independently on animal welfare and protection issues.
