Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Animal Welfare Act 1999

Care of animals - Surgical procedure offences

21: Surgical procedure offences

You could also call this:

"Harming animals with surgery is against the law"

If you do something that goes against section 15(1) or (2) of the Animal Welfare Act, you commit an offence. You also commit an offence if you do something that goes against section 15(4). You can only avoid committing an offence if you have a reasonable excuse for what you did.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM50413.

Topics:
Environment and resources > Farming and fishing
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20: Revocation and surrender of certificate of veterinary approval, or

"When a vet's approval certificate is taken away or given back"

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22: Transport of animals, or

"Looking after animals when moving them by car, plane, or boat"

Part 1Care of animals
Surgical procedure offences

21Surgical procedure offences

  1. A person commits an offence who, without reasonable excuse, acts in contravention of or fails to comply with—

  2. section 15(1) or (2); or
    1. section 15(4).

      Notes
      • Section 21: replaced, on , by section 16 of the Animal Welfare Amendment Act (No 2) 2015 (2015 No 49).