Animal Policy
Protecting Animals – A Stronger Approach
New Zealand must take real action to prevent animal cruelty, neglect, and unethical breeding. The Unity Party is committed to stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and better funding to ensure all animals are protected.
What Unity Will Do
🐾 Harsher penalties for animal cruelty – Increased prison sentences and higher fines for neglect, abuse, and repeat offenders.
💰 More funding for the SPCA – Government support will increase from 10% to 50%, providing more inspectors and 24-hour response to animal cruelty.
🚨 Emergency animal rescue protections – Legal immunity for Good Samaritans who rescue animals trapped in dangerous conditions.
📜 Mandatory licensing for dog breeders – Strict regulations on breeding to shut down puppy mills and unethical breeders.
🔍 Stronger SPCA inspections – Routine and random enforcement checks to hold breeders and owners accountable.
📢 Public education on animal welfare – A nationwide ‘Animal Guardians’ campaign to promote ethical pet ownership and reporting of neglect.
New Zealand must be a leader in animal welfare—not a country that allows cruelty to go unpunished. With stronger laws, enforcement, and public awareness, we can create a safer future for all animals.
📖 Read our full health policy here ⬇️
- Fully funded mental health diagnoses – because no one should suffer just because they can’t afford a diagnosis.
- A national fund for chronic conditions – covering treatments that improve quality of life, even when not funded by Pharmac.
- Better healthcare pathways – training more doctors, nurses, and specialists to fix staff shortages.
- Stronger addiction services – with dedicated drug and alcohol rehab centres in both the North and South Islands.
