When we talk about animals in the Animal Welfare Act 1999, you need to know what their physical, health, and behavioural needs are. This includes having proper and sufficient food, proper and sufficient water, and adequate shelter. You also need to make sure animals can display normal patterns of behaviour and are protected from pain or distress. You have to provide animals with the right care for their species, environment, and circumstances. This care includes physical handling that minimises pain or distress and protection from injury or disease. The care you provide must be suitable for the animal. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 has rules to help you understand what animals need, you can find more information about the act and its amendments on the New Zealand legislation website.