(see English version below)

Frage: Wie kann es dann zu diesen Tiertransporten kommen, wie ich sie auf der Fähre von Wellington nach Picton gesehen habe?

Grundrechte für Tiere wurden in Neuseeland in die Verfassung aufgenommen.
Das Gesetz, welches bereits im Mai 2015 in Kraft trat, bescheinigt allen Tieren in Neuseeland eine Empfindungsfähigkeit und stellt die Misshandlung von Tieren und Tierversuche unter Strafe. Damit sind auch die Jagd und die Gefangenhaltung von wilden Tieren strafbar.

Durch diese Maßnahme ist Neuseeland Vorreiter in der Auffassung, dass Tiere wie Personen behandelt werden und nicht wie Sachen.

Question: How do I understand those transports of sheep on the ferry from Wellington to Picton?

On May 5, 2015 New Zealand has set a great example to the world by recognizing what animal lovers have known forever – that animals are as sentient as we are, and they have feelings just like we do. This landmark ruling by NZ is the first time this shift in perception and policy has been extended to all animals, not just chimpanzees, orangoutangs or dolphins.

The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill passed May 5, 2015, aims to make it easier to prosecute people in animal cruelty cases, as well banning animal testing and research, and making all hunting, capture or ill-treatment of any wild animal illegal. Animal rights activists have celebrated the decision. „To say that animals are sentient is to state explicitly that they can experience both positive and negative emotions, including pain and distress“, said Dr Virginia Williams, chair of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee. „The explicitness is what is new and marks another step along the animal welfare journey.“

„Expectations on animal welfare have been rapidly changing, and practices that were once commonplace for pets and farm stock are no longer acceptable or tolerated,“ said New Zealand Veterinary Association president Dr Steve Merchant. „The bill brings legislation in line with our nation’s changing attitude on the status of animals in society.