Legal Responsabilities

Click here to read this PDF article by Nicki Cross, Ph.D.; Legal_Responsabilities (pdf 26 kb)

An extract of this article is below, click on the link above for a pdf of the entire article.

There are approximately 15000 camelids (llamas, alpacas or crossbreds of these) in New Zealand which are kept under a variety of different conditions and held for a range of purposes. Most responsible owners of llamas and alpacas are aware of their animal’s basic needs and know that providing for these needs will ensure that their camelids are kept healthy and happy. Not all camelid owners are, however, aware of the various types of legislation that govern their responsibilities as an owner and their specific legal responsibilities to ensure that the welfare of their animals is maintained.

The welfare of animals in New Zealand is governed primarily under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (the Act) which is the overarching piece of animal welfare legislation and is applicable to all animals (including llamas and alpacas) within New Zealand. It imposes obligations on owners and persons in charge of animals to ensure that the physical, health and behavioural needs of all animals in their care are met.