Outlaw demand for non-killing

Press, 24 May 1985, Page 12

Outlaw demand for non-killing

PA Auckland Industrial stoppages at freezing works when stock on hand are not first killed should be outlawed, says the Auckland provincial chairman of Federated Farmers’ meat and wool section, Mr Stanley Phillips. He told delegates at the annual provincial conference in Auckland that he had written to the Minister of Labour, Mr Rodger, calling for action. Recent cases of stock being returned to farmers in poor condition because of industrial disputes prompted four remits, which condemned such incidents and called for legisla-

tion to prevent them. Mr Phillips said. “Sections of the workforce involved in these actions seem, in my opinion, to take pleasure in causing cruelty and distress to animals in spite of agreements to kill stock before industrial action.

“Ultimately the federation will push for effective legislation to outlaw this cruel practice, even if it means deregistration of a union, heavy fines or imprisonment.”

Mr Phillips’ letter to Mr Rodger calls for a compulsory conference of all parties to consider new legislation.