Government Tightens Animal Welfare Rules for Pigs with 2035 Transition

The New Zealand Government has announced significant changes to the Animal Welfare Act 1999, aimed at raising welfare standards for pigs while giving farmers more than a decade to adapt. The reforms, unveiled by Associate Minister of Agriculture (Animal Welfare) Andrew Hoggard, introduce stricter limits on the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls, alongside higher space requirements for growing pigs.

The new regulations, set to come into effect on 19 December 2035, are described as some of the most advanced animal welfare standards in the world.

World-Leading Welfare Standards

Minister Hoggard said the changes balance the importance New Zealanders place on animal welfare with the need to maintain a viable pig farming industry.

“These proposed changes set new requirements for the use of farrowing crates and mating stalls, and requirements for space for growing pigs. Together, these will be amongst the highest in the world and demonstrate the importance New Zealanders place upon animal welfare.”

The decision follows five years of consultation with farmers, veterinarians, industry experts, and the public. The Government said it carefully considered scientific evidence, farming realities, and public expectations before finalising the reforms.

Key Changes in Pig Welfare Regulations

Under the new rules:

• Space for grower pigs will increase by 13.3 percent, giving animals more room to move.

• Farrowing crates, which confine sows during birth and nursing, will see maximum use cut from 33 days to just seven days. Farmers will also be required to provide manipulable and deformable nesting materials to allow sows to engage in natural behaviours like nest-building.

• Mating stalls will be limited to no more than three hours at a time, a major reduction from the current seven-day allowance.

These measures are intended to bring New Zealand into alignment with, and in some cases ahead of, international animal welfare benchmarks.

Transition Period Until 2035

Acknowledging the scale of the reforms, the Government is providing farmers with more than a decade to implement the changes.

“Because these are substantial changes, the Government will give farmers sufficient time to prepare for them,” Hoggard explained. “This approach provides the sector with a realistic timeframe to adapt without disrupting pork supply or putting undue pressure on pig farmers.”

The long lead-in period is designed to minimise economic disruption and ensure farmers have time to modify infrastructure, adopt new management practices, and plan investments.

Supporting Farmers Through Change

The Government recognises that compliance will require significant financial investment and farm upgrades. Hoggard emphasised that the reforms seek to balance animal welfare improvements with the economic sustainability of New Zealand’s pig industry.

“We’ve worked hard to minimise the costs for farmers. Nevertheless, many of these changes will require significant financial investment, infrastructure modification, and changes to practices on farm.”

The reforms are also intended to ensure Kiwis continue to have access to locally produced pork, reducing the risk of higher reliance on imports that may not meet the same welfare standards.

Code of Welfare for Pigs to Follow

Alongside the new regulations, the Government is finalising an updated Code of Welfare for Pigs. The Code will set practical guidance for farmers on how to meet the new standards and will be issued once the Amendment Bill passes Parliament.

The separation of regulations from the Code ensures continuity and prevents welfare standards from lapsing when current regulations are set to automatically revoke on 18 December 2025.

A New Path for Animal Welfare in NZ

Hoggard said the reforms strike the right balance between safeguarding the welfare of pigs and maintaining a productive domestic farming industry.

“The proposed amended regulations aim to ensure New Zealand retains its reputation for high animal welfare outcomes, while making sure we keep a viable pig farming industry in New Zealand, and Kiwis have access to locally grown pork.”

The announcement underscores New Zealand’s reputation as a leader in animal welfare while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to practical transition paths that respect both farmers and public expectations.