COMMENT FROM THE CAPITAL DEER FARMING LEGAL—WHAT NOW OF TROUT AND RABBITS?

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31981, 7 May 1969, Page 16

COMMENT FROM THE CAPITAL DEER FARMING LEGAL—WHAT NOW OF TROUT AND RABBITS?

(By Our Parliamentary Reporter>

foot SS® k ay 6 “ Fa ™ ing for venison is now an established fact. Something which began as a dream some years ago, and which has had to ite share of criticism, is now in a position where it can be tested in the field by anyone with enough money and dedication to follow the directions.

Those directions have been issued in the form of two sets of regulations, both of which were Gazetted on April 23. Thus from that date deer farming in New Zealand became legal.

For many this would be enough. For some, however, it is merely the first of three goals, the other two relating to trout and rabbits. The farming of trout for the table has long been a revenue-producer in other countries. In the United States there is a strong local industry, but trout are also imported from as far afield as Germany to make a premium food item for hotel consumption. For the last two years, attempts have been made to have trout fanning legalised in New Zealand. Bills have been prepared, but at the last moment in each case the provisions relating to the farming of trout have been removed. Another Attempt This year there will be another attempt to legalise trout farms. Officers of the Fisheries Research Division of the Marine Department see nothing against a pro-perly-policed fish farming industry. The Minister of Marine (Mr Scott) has been subjected to other pressures, however—and the same could occur 'this year. The farming of rabbits has

been similarly discouraged; but it is interesting that one of the sets of rules gazetted on April 23 is entitled, “The Noxious Animals In Captivity Regulations, 1969.” Though this relates mainly to deer, the term “noxious animal" must also relate to the rabbit —so in this fashion the way has been made clearer. In New Zealand the rabbit has been completely decommercialised. Its skin or flesh cannot be sold, and it is therefore outlawed.

In other countries, notably the United States and Australia, the breeding of rabbits for meat is not only encouraged, but the most popular breed is the Large New Zealand White, an outcast no longer tolerated in his own country. Legislation to legalise the farming of rabbits on the “battery” system, as carried out with considerable profit in New South Wales, is not expected this year. The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Taiboys) has spoken strongly against it, and has backed his statements by evidence that the export potential would not be great. There is a strong feeling, however, that a market for rabbit exists within New Zealand, and that to satisfy this would release more meat for export. One suggestion which is being considered in high places is that the rabbit boards be given control of a rabbit-fanning industry; or that at least a proportion of the profits of such an industry should be used to defray the costs of pest destruction. The Deer-Farmer The Deer Farming Regulations, 1969, are put out in the name of Mr Taiboys. They lay down the procedure for obtaining a deer farming licence, and the procedures to be followed after one is obtained.

The application is made to the Director-General of Agriculture. It must set out the location, the proposed layout, arrangements for fencing and access, and the disposition of pens and yards. The applicant must state the numbers and species of the proposed herd, and the source of supply. Each farm must be enclosed with sturdily-built fences at least six feet six inches high. Pens and enclosures are to be of a certain standard to permit detailed health inspections and veterinary testing.

Each licence will cost 850. Before issuing it the Direc-tor-General i will consult senior officers of the Forest Service and the Ministry of

Works for reports on the suitability of the land and its susceptibility to erosion. Then there are a number of provisions for branding, health, disease, testing, inspection, transport and killing, these tie in with the Animals Act, the Meat Act, and the Noxious Animals Act. In Captivity The second set of regulations, issued by the Minister of Forests (Mr Maclntyre), is a much more bulky document of twenty printed pages. It deals specifically with noxious animals in captivity, and provides rules for the capture, transport and keeping In captivity of these animals. It also provides that only approved persons may capture or transport live noxious animals. The maximum fine for a breach of the regulations is $lOOO. Animals mentioned in these regulations include Red or Sambar deer. Wapiti, Chamois, Thar. Wallabies and Opossums. The establishment of deer farms was approved last year by Parliament, but the drawing of regulations has proved more difficult than expected. The main concern of members of Parliament at the time was that all precautions should be taken to protect neighbouring land from deer. The killing of deer over the last few years has resulted in a realisation that venison has a valuable market overseas. Last year exports of venison realised $2,000,000. The quality of wild New Zealand venison is undoubtedly high. Farmed deer produce more than twice the quantity of meat, together with an improvement in quality.