NZALA complaint upheld by Parliamentary Committee

Last week, Parliament’s Regulations Review Committee released a report agreeing with the New Zealand Animal Law Association (NZALA) position that freezing lobsters prior to slaughter is inconsistent with the objects and intentions of the Animal Welfare Act 1999. As a result the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) plans to amend the law that relates to the freezing of these animals for the purposes of commercial slaughter.

Lobsters experience significant pain and distress when frozen. In July 2020, NZALA complained to the Regulations Review Committee that the law allowing lobsters to be frozen before slaughter is based on outdated scientific knowledge. 

All animals in New Zealand must be rendered insensible before being killed. 

NZALA argued that scientific evidence shows that lobsters should not be frozen to be rendered insensible. The science shows that they feel significant pain and distress and can regain consciousness when being boiled following chilling.

In its evidence to the Committee, NAWAC agreed that freezing is an unacceptable method of making lobsters insensible, and that it would amend the law so that freezing is not permitted.

After considering the complaint, the Regulations Review Committee agreed with NZALA. The Committee is pleased with NAWAC's planned amendment as a result of NZALA's complaint, and supports the plans of NAWAC and the Ministry for Primary Industries to conduct a full review of the relevant law within the next three to five years.

NZALA is happy with the Committee's findings and proud of the outcome of its complaint.  Once made, the amendment will benefit the welfare of the untold numbers of lobsters slaughtered for human consumption in New Zealand each year.

Previous Media: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/122394680/lobster-slaughter-methods-causing-significant-pain-and-distress-animal-law-society-says

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