New Zealand has an international reputation as a leader in animal welfare and animal welfare legislation consequently any amendments to it are seen by many as setting a new benchmark. The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill seeks to improve the way offences relating to the ill treatment and neglect of animals are prescribed and increases the penalties for this type of offending.

The Explanatory Note on the Bill can be viewed http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2010/0118/latest/DLM2747701.html