2024 has been an incredible year for Companion Animals NZ, filled with impactful initiatives, milestones, and contributions toward improving animal welfare across New Zealand.
A Good life for all horses – national horse day
A Global Call for Positive Welfare for All Equids
The newly published Good Welfare for Equids white paper sets a high bar for improving the welfare of horses, donkeys, and their hybrids (known collectively as ‘equids’). While primarily aimed at influencing European Union legislation, the framework offers insights and recommendations that resonate globally.
The report underscores the importance of treating equids as sentient beings, capable of experiencing emotions like joy, contentment, and pain, and calls for ensuring their wellbeing regardless of their role—be it for sport, leisure, work, or companionship.
The report emphasises that:
Equids have complex social, mental, and physical needs that must be met for them to thrive.
A good quality of life involves more than minimising stress or fear; it requires actively fostering positive experiences such as pleasure and contentment.
Good care, nutrition, social interaction, and ethical exercise not only benefit the animals but also strengthen the bond between equids and humans.
To achieve this, the paper outlines the Five Provisions framework for equid welfare:
Good nutrition
A good physical environment
Good health
Positive social and behavioral interactions
Positive mental experiences
It also highlights the risks associated with various sectors where equids are involved, from production and sports to rescue and retirement, and advocates for robust identification and traceability systems to ensure their protection.
Professor Nat Waran, one of the contributors to this report and Director of ‘A Good Life Center’ at Companion Animals NZ, emphasises the ethical responsibility to promote equid welfare, fostering positive outcomes for animals and the humans who depend on them.
"Horses, donkeys, and mules are sentient beings who feel joy, fear, and pain, just as we do. This paper is a vital step toward recognising equids as sentient beings with unique physical, mental, and emotional needs, addressing the gaps and providing actionable recommendations to ensure equids live a "Good Life." By focusing on their quality of life, not just minimising harm, but fostering positive experiences, we can set a global standard for equid welfare that benefits both the animals and the people who both care for them and rely on them." - Professor Nat Waran
This comprehensive framework challenges stakeholders worldwide to prioritise the welfare of equids, ensuring they live fulfilling lives. For more details, you can read the full white paper here:
Te Tohu Maimoa winners for November 2024
Te Tohu Maimoa recognises the contribution of people involved in the well-being of Companion Animals in New Zealand. The awards are held twice a year, presented by Companion Animals NZ, and nominations should focus on achievements in the previous 6 months.
We are proud to announce the November 2024 Te Tohu Maimoa winners…
Rachael Maher
Founder of Paws4Life
Rachael Maher has been running Paws4Life for over a decade, dedicating herself to rescuing and caring for abandoned, injured, and stray cats and kittens. Her shelter is constantly full, reflecting her tireless 24/7 commitment to meeting the community's needs. Beyond her rescue work, Rachael has participated in meetings with the SPCA and Hamilton City Council, advocating for cat desexing and the humane treatment of strays. The Paws4Life Facebook page offers a glimpse into the continuous influx of strays ready for adoption, showcasing the incredible impact of her efforts.
Annette Buckley
Founder of Feline Fix
Annette Buckley’s work in animal welfare reaches far and wide. With a focus on controlling the stray cat population, she has helped desex over 760 cats since Feline Fix was formed. Her work includes running impactful Facebook campaigns and providing crucial support for urgent medical treatments, reflecting her dedication to reducing unwanted litters and improving the lives of vulnerable animals.
Zoey Jackson
Education and Engagement Officer, Waikato Pound Pups (WDC)
Zoey Jackson’s dedication to dog welfare shines through her work with Waikato Pound Pups. From her involvement with the ‘Take the Lead, Don’t Let Them Breed’ campaign to hands-on education in local schools, Zoey actively champions responsible pet ownership. Her ‘Dirty Dog Challenge’ and ‘Pound Pups Pool Parties’ fundraisers are not only fun but also crucial in supporting desexing and rehoming initiatives. With an extensive online community of over 26,000 followers, Zoey’s creative and passionate approach makes her a beloved advocate for dog welfare in the Waikato community.
Sarah Christie
Founder of Pet Whisperer Rescue
Sarah Christie, founder of Pet Whisperer Rescue, has dedicated herself to supporting stray and lost cats in Auckland through initiatives such as colony feeding, trap-neuter-return programmes, and rehoming rehabilitated strays. Her collaboration with local businesses and the provision of desexing vouchers have made responsible pet ownership more accessible. Sarah’s tireless advocacy continues to make a meaningful impact on Auckland’s rescue efforts and the lives of countless cats.
“The quality of the nominations in this round were amazing! It was certainly hard to come up with a shortlist for our judging panel as there were so many passionate individuals doing great things for the animals!
A big congratulations to our November winners who very much deserve this recognition and we hope know how appreciated their contributions are.”
Horse welfare research in the spotlight
International research delving into horse welfare topics has been brought to New Zealand, as researchers from Companion Animals New Zealand collaborate with international institutions on hot topics such as the use of horses in sport and identifying horse emotions.
Companion Animals New Zealand is committed to promoting a Good Life for Animals. We invest in research and behaviour change initiatives to improve understanding of animal emotions and share evidence-based knowledge with pet owners and those caring for animals.
To achieve this, the charity carries out its own research, as well as collaborating with a number of international animal welfare research teams.
Professor Nat Waran, Director for A Good Life for Animals Centre at Companion Animals NZ, is an internationally recognised animal behaviour and welfare scientist and her work towards improving equine welfare has been extensive. She says working with a global network of animal welfare scientists is vital because it fosters an interchange of diverse perspectives and international comparisons, helping us stay at the forefront of animal welfare advancements and knowledge here in New Zealand.
“International research collaborations are important for assisting with Companion Animals NZ’s work because they allow us to tap into global expertise and cutting-edge knowledge. By working with world-leading researchers, we can bring valuable insights back to New Zealand and apply them through a local lens, ultimately improving the welfare of our animals here at home.”
Horses in sport
Companion Animal’s New Zealand’s collaboration on equine welfare research projects involves researchers from various countries including; Sweden, UK, Denmark, Brazil and Australia. One of these is a study considering public opinion regarding the use of horses in sport. It asks about what equestrian events people have watched and/or attended.
It’s being conducted by Pamela Spisak, a MSc Equine Science student at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh. Pamela is co-supervised Professor Nat Waran, (the A Good Life for Animals Director for Companion Animals New NZ). Information from the work will help add to our understanding of the current level of interest and opinions regarding horse use in sport, of both the general public and those involved in the horse world. CANZ looks forward to reporting on the results once the student has completed the work.
This survey is open until 1 November: Public Opinion of Equestrian Sport (jisc.ac.uk)
Horse emotions
Another international equine welfare study we are involved in aims to improve owner knowledge about how horses express emotions. An international animal welfare science team, including Prof Nat Waran, is exploring how horses express their emotions in ANTICIPATION of different handling situations. Reseachers are interested in if they see these events as positive or negative, how intense their feelings are (calm, excited, or somewhere in between), and the various behaviours/facialand body movements horses exhibit to express their emotional state.
Participants are asked to spend 25 minutes watching some short video clips and providing their insights. These videos feature horses trained to anticipate four specific human interactions, each designed to evoke different emotional responses.
This survey is open until 10 November: https://www.slu.se/globalassets/ew/horses-emotions.html
More to come
Equine welfare studies such as these are crucial because they help capture public and equestrian opinions, attitudes, and experiences, providing valuable insights into how various parts of society view the way horses are managed in different environments and used for different purposes. The results gained from our international equine welfare work will help inform welfare standards, influence policy decisions, and guide best practices to ensure that horses are cared for in ways that prioritise their health, happiness, and wellbeing, with the aim of providing a Good Life for all equids wherever they may live.
Exploring the fascinating world of cat communication
Nominations for Te Tohu Maimoa now open
Celebrating CANZ’s Achievements: A Year of Progress and Impact
Two EQuiChip® Events complete!
EQuiChip® is a community initiative dedicated to improving equine welfare through microchipping and registering horses on the NZ Companion Animal Register for positive identification. Our 2024 series has already successfully hosted events in Taupō and Cambridge, and we are eagerly anticipating the upcoming events.
Founded by Companion Animals New Zealand in 2023 after Cyclone Gabrielle, the first EQuiChip® events were held in Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, microchipping over 200 horses. There are so many benefits of equine microchipping and registration, including helping with proof of ownership, the ability to include body temperature measurements and assisting with mitigating biosecurity risks. The process is easy and, similar to a vaccine, the chip is inserted with a needle.
The 2024 series is taking place between May and November in Taupō, Cambridge, Invercargill, West Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, aims to microchip and register 400-500 horses. Events are organised by Companion Animals New Zealand in collaboration with local veterinarians, equine organisations, and volunteers, with support from MSD Animal Health and the New Zealand Equine Health Association.
All attendees receive a Thermochip thanks to MSD Animal Health. A Thermochip works in a horse by being implanted in a ligament in the neck area. This microchip includes a temperature sensor that can accurately measure the horse's temperature. When a compatible scanner is passed over the microchip, it not only reads the horse's unique identification number but also retrieves the temperature data. This allows veterinarians and caretakers to monitor the horse's temperature easily and frequently without causing stress or discomfort. Regular temperature monitoring can help in early detection of illnesses, ensuring prompt and effective treatment while maintaining the horse's overall wellbeing.
Two down - four to go
Already two events have taken place and were a great success! With 65 horses added to our New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), we are so pleased their guardian’s details are now linked to their animal in case they ever get separated.
Our first 2024 EQuiChip® event took place in Taupō on Sunday 26 May. What an amazing community event with many volunteers pitching in to get 33 horses microchipped and registered on the NZCAR. A big thank you to our local support there - the Vets from Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Taupō, Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre Taupō and Taupō Equestrian Supplies.
In Cambridge, we successfully microchipped 28 horses and registered 32 on the day to our NZ Companion Animal Register (with some already chipped). Big thanks to our local supporters Cambridge Equine Hospital, CambridgeRaceway, Shoof International and Garrards Horse and Hound.
With four more still to go, we can’t wait to help more communities get behind positive horse identification.
“The process was so much quicker and easier than I thought! Now I have peace of mind that we could be reunited far quicker if we ever become separated.”
EQuiChip® Cambridge
EQuiChip® Taupō
Companion Animals New Zealand encourages Government to prioritise pet welfare
Companion Animals New Zealand, dedicated animal welfare charity and custodian of the national companion animal register, is encouraging the Government to ensure the wellbeing of our country’s pet animal species remain a priority.
A recently publicised letter from the Minister responsible for Animal Welfare (Hon Andrew Hoggard) to the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has sparked concern that pet welfare may be being deprioritised.
NAWAC, an independent body providing animal welfare advice to the Government, has been directed to pause their work on the new rabbit code of welfare and any planned work on other companion animal codes of welfare, shifting focus to livestock codes including dairy cattle, sheep, beef, and deer.
What are the Codes of Welfare?
Codes of welfare are important because they outline the minimum standards for the care and management of animals, which owners need to follow under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.These codes also include recommended best practices to help animal owners achieve positive welfare outcomes. Regular updates to these codes are essential, incorporating the latest research on animal behaviour and welfare, as well as evolving social attitudes.
Currently, there is no code of welfare to guide owners regarding the standards required for pet rabbits – that's despite them being the third most popular pet in New Zealand. In addition, the current code of welfare for cats has not had a substantive review for 17 years (having only had small amendments since 2007) and the code of welfare for dogs for 14 years (with last substantive review in 2010). Arguably they are both out of date in relation to current scientific knowledge, and therefore good practice expectations.
“New Zealanders place immense value on their pets with more than 4.35 million companion animals in the country,” says Professor Nat Waran, Director at Companion Animals New Zealand. “The pet population in New Zealand is a significant one and with up-to-date welfare codes we have an opportunity to ensure standards for companion animals are in line with other pet-loving nations around the world. Cats, dogs, and rabbits are cherished members of our households, and their welfare should reflect their importance in our lives.
“At Companion Animals New Zealand, our mission is to ensure pets lead a Good Life, which goes above and beyond minimum standards of care. Achieving this goal requires up-to-date and comprehensive pet welfare codes which need to be informed by the latest research evidence.”
New Zealand should maintain high welfare standards
Given New Zealand's high pet ownership rates – second only to the USA in terms of cat ownership – codes of welfare are essential for providing animal welfare officers with a clear baseline to make changes or address issues with owners. Failure to meet the relevant minimum standards outlined in a code can support prosecution, while a defense may include evidence that the care provided equaled or exceeded these minimum standards.
This legal framework ensures that companion animals in New Zealand receive appropriate care and protection in line with their basic needs, making it easier to uphold and improve welfare standards.
Many animal welfare charities, including Companion Animals NZ, have worked together to draft proposed Codes for Rabbits, Dogs and Cats – and these have been passed onto to NAWAC for consideration as part of their Codes Work Programme. There is also a Companion Animal Subcommittee of NAWAC that has already started to work on the proposed Rabbit Code of Welfare.
“We acknowledge the Government has many competing priorities, so we seek to ensure the welfare of companion animals is not overlooked,” adds Professor Waran. “We believe that pet welfare should also be prioritised, reflecting the deep bond New Zealanders share with their pets”.
As an organisation committed to promoting positive welfare for all companion animals, Companion Animals New Zealand encourages the Government to consider the significance of pets in our society and the importance of safeguarding their welfare into the future by prioritising the maintenance of up-to-date, world-leading pet codes of welfare.
If you’d like to be kept up to date on this topic and others, please sign up to hear from us and our welfare newsletter: https://www.companionanimals.nz/newsletters
Disclosure of Conflict of Interest
In the interest of transparency, it is important we disclose that Professor Nat Waran also sits on the NAWAC However, her comments within this article relate to her position as Director at Companion Animals New Zealand.
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Webinar series – is your pet misbehaving or misunderstood?
In our upcoming ‘Misbehaviour or Misunderstood’ webinar series open to the public, accredited behaviour consultants and veterinary behaviourists will delve into the behaviour of companion animals. Are we interpreting our animal’s behaviour in the wrong way? How can we better understand their drivers?
Companion animals hold significant importance in the lives of many New Zealanders. More than a third of households have one or more dogs - and we boast the world's highest cat ownership rate, with over 40% of households having at least one feline friend. It is clear that pets are cherished members of our families.
Despite widespread pet ownership across New Zealand, many pet owners remain unaware of the intricacies of their animals' behaviours. What are the reasons behind their actions and the potential for behavioural challenges? So many pet owners have the best intentions, but aren’t equipped with the right knowledge.
This knowledge gap can lead to mismatches between the natural behaviours of companion animals and the expectations of their owners. As a result, behaviour issues may arise, causing distress for both pets and their humans.
Addressing these issues has become an increasingly important area of focus in the field of ‘clinical animal behaviour’. This field, which combines applied ethology and veterinary medicine, employs evidence-based strategies to address a wide range of abnormal or problematic behaviours exhibited by dogs and cats. Experts in this field employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon insights from psychology, ethology, neurobiology, pharmacology, and veterinary science to develop effective solutions for managing and treating behavioural issues in companion animals.
Webinar series coming soon!
In our upcoming ‘Misbehaviour or Misunderstood’ webinar series, accredited behaviour consultants and veterinary behaviourists will delve into the behaviour of companion animals.
These experts will uncover the root causes and motivations behind companion animals’ actions, shedding light on what these behaviours signify for the animal's overall well-being. Offering practical guidance, they'll equip participants with tools to address common behavioural challenges and ensure their pets receive everything necessary for a fulfilling life.
The series will span 4-5 evening webinars, occurring fortnightly starting on the 31st of July. Each webinar will last approximately 60 minutes, providing ample opportunity for sharing insights and addressing pertinent topics. The webinars are free to attend, with the option to provide a small donation following the webinar if you found it useful - so we can continue to run these events into the future to help Kiwi pet owners across the country.
Topic number 1
Our first topic Aggression Towards Familiar People - Beyond the Myth of Dominance addresses the complexities surrounding aggression by dogs towards familiar people. Given the prevalent misinterpretations surrounding this behaviour, such as misattributing it to “dominance”, there's a pressing need to understand and address the multifaceted reasons which contribute to this aggression.
Presenting this topic will be Mat Ward, a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, who has helped thousands of pets (and their humans!) over the past 25 years. Early in his career, while completing his Master’s degree through Massey Vet School, Mat worked hands-on training problem dogs. During the 2000s he established himself as a leading behaviour practitioner in Edinburgh, Scotland, with over 130 veterinary clinics referring behaviour cases to him by the time he moved back to New Zealand in 2021. Recently, Mat published “What Dogs Want”, a fun, illustration-filled handbook for dog guardians. Mat is accredited through the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB), and is accredited or a member of leading companion animal behaviour organisations such as CANZ, ABTC, IAABC, APBC, and FABC.
During this webinar, Mat will pass on what he has learned from 25 years in the field of dog behaviour. He will outline patterns of aggression towards familiar people he has observed over the years, explain the core reasons for this behaviour, and summarise the practical techniques and recommendations he finds most useful for his clients.
Be sure to keep an eye out for further updates on this topic on our website and social media channels! You can register your interest in attending via our form linked in the button below.
What is Companion Animals NZ Accreditation?
Companion Animals NZ Accredited professionals have demonstrated that they have met the CANZ Accreditation professional standards and follow the CANZ Code of Ethical Conduct. By choosing a CANZ Accredited professional you can be assured that they will use humane training methods that are based on an understanding of the way animals learn. Read more about this here: https://www.companionanimals.nz/accreditation
Microchip myth-busting!
There are a lot of myths out there about microchipping and registration of pets, so we decided to use the month of May to bust many of them!
Firstly, what is a microchip? A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice implanted in your companion animal. The microchip holds a unique number that needs to be registered to a database and associated with your details – this unique number can be read using a microchip scanner by an Approved User (including Vets, SPCA and many animal rescues).
Microchipping then registering your animal is an important part of responsible ownership. The NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) was created by Companion Animals New Zealand as a database to hold microchip information with guardian details and has over 1.3 million animals on it. The NZCAR helps lost pets get home to their worried families.
Now let’s get to the myth-busting!
1: MYTH: Microchips have GPS / can track location
FACT: A microchip is not a GPS or tracking device, so nobody can track your pet's location via the microchip for any purpose, whether this is to attempt to steal them or to help recover them if they become lost. Microchips are passive and only ‘activate’ in the presence of an appropriate scanner (which will read the microchip number).
2. MYTH: My dog is registered with the Council (National Dog Database) so doesn’t need to be registered with the NZCAR
FACT: The National Dog Database (NDD) Council registration and the NZCAR serve different purposes. The NDD is mandatory and helps monitor dangerous dogs. The Dog Control Act 1996 mandates registration of dogs over three months old with local councils. These details are accessible only by Council staff.
Our NZCAR is voluntary, created to provide a national database of all microchipped pets, accessed by Approved Users (such as vet clinics and SPCA), so that found pets can quickly be returned home.
It is extremely important that new dog owners understand these differences so that they can make an informed decision for their pet. Check out our handy 'differences' graphic here: https://www.animalregister.co.nz/.../A4-Database...
3. MYTH: The microchip itself holds guardian information
FACT: A microchip contains only a unique number which can be read using a microchip scanner. That number must then be associated with the guardian's details in a database such as the NZCAR in order for that microchip to be used to get the pet home. Once an animal is found they can then be scanned by more than 900 Approved Users around NZ to see if the animal has a guardian associated with them.
4. MYTH: The Guardian's personal information is exposed via the microchip itself (anyone could access details)
FACT: A pet’s microchip number is linked to their guardian’s details on a secure database (such as the NZCAR). NZCAR Approved Users can only search the database by microchip number so they must have your pet and approved access to NZCAR, in order to find your details. Any time you log into your account, you can review the details that would be visible, should your animal be found and scanned by an Approved User of the NZCAR. We take privacy seriously and recently had an independent assessment confirming our system is very secure.
5. MYTH: Registration is automatic. An animal's microchip is immediately registered to a database when it is implanted
FACT: Registration is not automatic to any databases. Even your veterinary team, SPCA or local council will need to manually enter your pet’s microchip number into their own system at the time of implantation.
Most veterinary teams will begin the NZCAR registration process for their clients, but it's important to expect an email from the NZCAR. This will tell you that registration is successful AND ask you to log in to ensure your details have been entered correctly and to complete all remaining fields (you can even add a photo of your pet!).
6. MYTH: Vet clinics can access each other’s systems so it is not important to register on the NZCAR
FACT: Veterinary clinics can only access their own clinic’s client information and animal data. If your pet were to go missing and their microchip number was only stored on your vet clinic’s system, your pet would need to be taken to your vet clinic in order for them to contact you. What if your pet wandered to the next neighbourhood, or a kind citizen picked up your pet and took them to their vet across town?! Having your pet registered on the NZCAR means your contact details can be accessed by over 900 Approved Users all around NZ – including all vets, SPCA and many animal rescues.
7. MYTH: Implanting is painful/unsafe
FACT: Placing a microchip is a very common procedure. For many species, the microchip is implanted under the scruff or the skin of the neck and does not cause any more than slight discomfort – the same as anyone would feel if they received an injection!
It is important that your animal is microchipped by a vet or trained professional to ensure the microchip is located and implanted correctly (which varies between species). This professional will know how best to restrain your animal, before and after care, and correct implantation technique to ensure the safety of your animal.
8. MYTH Microchips cause long-term health issues
FACT: Microchipping has an established, long-term health safety record. While it is not possible to claim that a reaction to an implanted microchip will never happen, microchipping is considered a safe procedure endorsed by veterinary professionals, and as such, the likelihood of your pet experiencing an adverse reaction is very low.
The benefits of having your pet positively identifiable (and therefore increased chances of being reunited with them should they become lost), far outweigh any rare and unlikely negative health impacts associated with the procedure.
9. MYTH Only cats and dogs can be microchipped
FACT: The NZCAR has over 1.3 million animals registered of many species! These absolutely do include cats and dogs, but also horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, cows, turtles and more! If you have an animal that, should it go missing, you would like linked back to your contact details – microchip and register them on the NZCAR. Ask your vet today about ensuring ALL your beloved companions are microchipped and registered.
So, there we have it! Nine of the most common myths around microchipping. If your pet is not microchipped, getting one implanted is quick, easy and affordable. Give your local vet clinic a call and ask them about booking an appointment or adding the procedure to an existing appointment. You could also reach out to a mobile vet/nurse in your area that may provide this service in your home. You can view a list of approved implanters here.
Microchipping is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Read more about it on our NZCAR website: animalregister.co.nz.
Video: Professor Nat Waran on her work with International Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission
At the recent International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) conference at Cambridge, New Zealand, in March 2024, Professor Nat Waran from Companion Animals New Zealand spoke about the work she led in developing a proposed welfare strategy with a new vision of a Good Life for Horses in Sport.
As Chair of the independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission set up in June 2022 by the FEI (the international governing body of equestrian sports), Nat led the 10-person Commission who were tasked with developing a final report with recommendations to safeguard equine welfare and the future involvement of horses in sport.
Watch her summary of this work in the following video.
Survey shows more than a third of cat and dog owners think their pet could be happier
New Zealanders love their pets, with 4.35 million pets of many species gracing our homes. Aotearoa has one of the highest cat ownership rates in the world – at least 40% of households have at least one (meaning there are approximately 1.2 million domestic cats). Around 34% of us are thought to own dogs, that’s 850,000 all up.
A recent survey, commissioned by us here at Companion Animals New Zealand, consisted of a robust sample size of more than 500 dog and cat owners in New Zealand who were asked a range of questions around how they perceived their pet’s happiness.
Among the key findings were:
While most participants felt their pet was quite happy, more than a third of cat / dog owners (36%) thought their pet could be happier, and when looking at just dog owners, this rose to 43%.
4% of people either weren’t sure, or didn’t think, that their pet could experience emotions (3% were not sure and 1% didn’t think their pet could experience emotion).
81% said it was important to them as pet owners that their cat or dog was happy.
90% said it was very important to them that their pet was healthy.
Topping the list of what was perceived to make pets happy was food (closely followed by grooming and the company of the pet owner.)
Topping the list of what was perceived to cause sadness were things such as aggression/loud noises/shouting, as well as being ill or the pet being left alone.
“At Companion Animals New Zealand, we believe that positive welfare for our pets starts with us, the humans.”
Professor Nat Waran, Director of A Good Life Centre within Companion Animals New Zealand, says gauging how people perceive animal emotions is a critical component to improving pet welfare.
“The fact that 4% of owners in this survey didn’t know, or didn’t believe, that their pet experienced emotions is quite a startling find,” says Professor Waran. “New Zealand was among the first countries to recognise and enshrine animal sentience into law in August 2015 – yet there are people who still don’t think their own pet can experience emotion at all.
Professor Nat Waran
“At Companion Animals New Zealand, we believe that positive welfare for our pets starts with us, the humans. We do these surveys without judgement. We know that understanding people’s beliefs and opinions will allow us to develop the best educational opportunities for sharing what’s needed to give animals a good life.”
Through its new initiative 'A Good Life for Animals Centre,' Companion Animals New Zealand, will be helping define what a “Good Life” for pets is exactly. This endeavour marks a significant shift from focusing solely on minimising negative experiences for animals to embracing a positive approach. Through the Centre, Companion Animals NZ will harness the science of human behavior change to promote positive animal welfare outcomes.
“Our understanding of animal happiness may not always match reality as we tend to view their emotions through a human lens, leading to potential misunderstandings,” finishes Waran. “Therefore, we emphasise the need for evidence-based criteria to define happiness accurately and develop practical methods. Our goal is to empower animal guardians in Aotearoa with the knowledge and tools for their pets' fulfilling lives, addressing challenges like recognising the behaviours that tell us about happiness and sadness to enhance awareness and education across New Zealand."
Companion Animals New Zealand plans to collaborate with various animal groups nationwide, including SCPA, rescue groups, and MPI, to ensure a comprehensive approach to pet welfare.
The national charity is widely recognised for managing the largest pet microchip database – the NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) - which boasts 1.3 million registered pets and over 900 authorised users. The register plays a vital role in reuniting lost pets with their guardians, particularly during natural disasters.
The public is invited to engage with Companion Animals NZ's research and initiatives, sign up for updates, and support the organisation's mission of promoting positive pet welfare.
Survey highlights
Emotions:
96% of participants believe their pets can experience emotions, while 1% do not believe so, and 3% are unsure.
The most commonly attributed emotions to pets are happiness (91%), fear (92%), excitement (87%), and worry/anxiety (82%).
Cats are perceived to experience emotions differently than dogs in some categories (e.g., 97% of dog owners felt their pets could feel excitement, while 82% of cat owners shared the same feelings about their cats).
Happiness
42% think their pets are very happy most of the time, and 54% believe they are quite happy.
81% consider their pets' happiness to be very important.
Interactions with company their owners (86%), being talked to (79%), being groomed (88%), playing (81%), and being provided with food (93%) are considered major contributors to pet happiness.
Factors perceived as leading to sadness or unhappiness include being alone (52%), illness (69%), loud noises (62%), negative interactions with people (57%), and aggression from other animals (71%).
36% of participants think their pets could be happier.
Health:
90% consider their pets' health very important.
Potential Improvements
Participants’ plans to improve their pets' lives include spending more time with them (25%), playing more with them (22%), and providing more mental stimulation (37%).
Barriers
Common barriers to meeting pets’ needs include work/life commitments (29%), cost of living (24%), not having enough time (9%), and lack of information about animal emotions (7%).
Survey methodology: Insights HQ (previously Camorra Research) carried out this survey on behalf of Companion Animals New Zealand. They ran an online survey with a total of 539 pet owners across New Zealand to understand current behaviours and attitudes.
For more information or media enquiries contact rebecca@companionanimals.nz
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England Introduces Mandatory Microchipping for Cats
A Step Forward in Responsible Pet Ownership
In two months’ time on 10 June 2024, a new milestone in pet welfare legislation is set to take effect in England. Under this mandate, all cat owners will be required to have their feline companions microchipped. This initiative marks a significant stride forward in safeguarding the well-being of cats and elevating the standards of responsible pet ownership.
Microchipping has long been recognised as a valuable tool in pet identification and reunification efforts. Unlike collars and tags, which can be lost or removed, microchips provide a permanent form of identification that is tamper-proof and cannot be misplaced. This added layer of security not only increases the likelihood of lost cats being returned to their homes but also serves as a deterrent to pet theft.
There are an estimated 4.35 million pets in New Zealand total with over 1.1 million of these being companion cats. Currently, the NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) has more than 1.3 million pets registered, with more than 700,000 cats registered. Proportionately, there are more companion animals in New Zealand than anywhere in the world, other than the United States.
Companion Animals New Zealand General Manager David Lloyd says, beyond the practical benefits of microchipping, this legislation sends a powerful message about the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
“Microchipping and registering your animal is a proactive step which shows a commitment to their welfare and safety, so we commend this step taken in England” says Mr Lloyd. “Registering animals on a national database, like our NZ Companion Animal Register, links your details to your pet's microchip, you are ensuring that they can be readily identified and returned to you if they become lost or stray.”
Microchipping is required for all dogs registered in New Zealand, with the exception of working farm dogs. Having your companion cat microchipped in New Zealand is optional. However in 2023, an Environment Select Committee’s recommendations to Parliament supported a nation-wide cat management framework, which would see almost all cats being desexed and microchipped.
Additionally, just last week, Hutt City Council voted to introduce "chipping and snipping" rules for domestic cats. The Control of Animals Bylaw now includes a section on the ‘Keeping of Cats’, which requires owners of cats over 12 weeks of age to ensure the cat is:
Microchipped;
Registered on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR); and
Desexed (unless kept for breeding purposes and registered with a nationally recognised cat breeders' body; or deferred if a registered veterinarian has determined it would negatively impact the cat’s health and welfare)
This decision follows the likes of Wellington, Palmerston North, Whangārei, Whanganui, Ruapehu and Selwyn in implementing local cat bylaws.
“While we don’t know the next steps from a national perspective following last year’s recommendation from the Select Committee, we are certainly keen to work with local government when they make decisions like Hutt City has, and are always promoting the animal welfare benefits of microchipping,” continues Mr Lloyd.
“Microchipping helps animals get home faster which means they’re at less risk of becoming sick or injured or without care for lengthy periods. It is so important animal guardians keep their details up to date if they move or change circumstances. We hope that more people opt into microchipping their animal – regardless of mandates - because of how it can protect their animal and reunite them if they become separated. ”
More EQuiChip® events coming soon!
In 2023, a series of four equine microchipping events were held in the Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa communities following the catastrophic events of Cyclone Gabrielle. Following the incredibly sad event, EQuiChip® was born.
EQuiChip® became our national equine microchipping campaign founded and trademarked by us here at Companion Animals New Zealand. Equine microchipping is fundamental in identifying and protecting the NZ horse population. In Europe, equine microchipping is now compulsory in most countries and we believe New Zealand will likely follow this trend.
The 2023 series of events were driven by Professor Nat Waran (Director, A Good Life for Animals Centre, Companion Animals New Zealand) and enabled the equestrian community to take positive preventative measures to help reduce some of the risks and stress associated with being unable to identify horses and find their guardians in an unforeseen circumstance (weather event, national disaster, biosecurity threat, or loss of their horses due to theft).
More than 200 horses were microchipped and registered on the Companion Animals NZ national database during the four events and this sparked the idea to take the campaign nationally and trademark it as EQuiChip®. The video footage shown below was taken at one of the Hawke’s Bay events.
2024 events on the horizon
While still in the planning phase, we hope to host events with the help of generous sponsorship at the locations and dates below:
May/June 2024: Taupō
July 2024: Cambridge
August 2024: North Auckland
September 2024: West Auckland
October 2024: Wellington
November 2024: Christchurch
In the 2024 series we hope to microchip and register between 400 and 500 horses across the six events, involving the local equine community and vet clinics - making them very community-driven events.
There are so many benefits of equine microchipping and registration, including mitigating biosecurity risks, helping with proof of ownership and the ability to include body temperature measurements. The process is easy and, similar to a vaccine, the chip is inserted with a needle. No sedation is required in most cases.
We look forward to sharing more soon and confirming dates! If you’d like to know more, contact us at welfare@companionanimals.nz.
Companion Animals in a Changing World – Conference 2024 Wrap
Companion Animals NZ Chair, Steven Thompson, with Hon. Minster Hoggard
On 12 March, more than 120 animal welfare experts, including researchers, advocates and senior figures, gathered in Hamilton New Zealand to discuss the impact of the changing world on our pets. Hosted by Companion Animals New Zealand, this biennial conference serves as a platform to bring together diverse perspectives in animal welfare and foster industry-wide collaboration.
The day was full of insightful presentations across a number of themes – from our changing expectations and changing climate, to our changing lifestyles and how we can provide a Good Life for our companion animals in a changing world.
The conference commenced with an inaugural address by the Honorable Andrew Hoggard, Minister responsible for Animal Welfare, who underscored the intrinsic value companion animals hold in New Zealanders' lives. Drawing from personal anecdotes, including the cherished position of his own pets within his household hierarchy, the Minister emphasised New Zealand's steadfast commitment to upholding high standards of animal welfare.
Keynote speakers included professors and expert practitioners from all over the world, speaking on a variety of topics including:
how societal views and our own lifestyle and behavioural changes have impacted our pets health and welfare (for example, working families and increased incidence of ‘modern’ diseases such as obesity in humans),
how research around retired greyhounds in the UK is helping improve the success of efforts to home greyhounds and mitigate their rates of relinquishment, and
how the environmental footprint of pet management including breeding, veterinary procedures and pet food production should be considered into the future.
Also covered was the mutual benefit of the human and animal relationship and research around how we can measure an animal’s emotional experience to ensure it enjoys mostly positive emotions and has a good quality of life.
Professor Nat Waran of Companion Animals New Zealand reflected on the insights gleaned during the 2024 Companion Animals Conference, emphasising the important role this event holds as a catalyst for meaningful, forward focussed dialogue. She highlighted the importance of recognising our impact on companion animals and their welfare, and cautioned against imposing human interpretations on their experiences.
Waran remarked, "One key takeaway for me personally ist he need to view animal welfare through a lens devoid of human biases. Often, our perceptions of what constitutes a positive experience for animals may not align with their reality. As our understanding of the importance of positive human-animal relationships grows, so does our recognition of the ethical responsibilities we have towards them and their maintenance in our society."
Expressing gratitude to the diverse array of speakers whose contributions enriched the conference, Waran spoke of the collaborative spirit that drives progress in animal welfare. She noted, "These gatherings foster an environment of sharing and learning, paving the way for a more enlightened and compassionate approach to caring for our cherished companions to ensure they experience a good quality of life."
Following on from the Conference day, the gala dinner saw the announcement of four incredible winners of the Assisi Awards, recognising animal welfare excellence. The conference was also attended by participants online from various countries via a live-stream link.
Plenary and invited talks will soon be made available to the public via companionanimals.nz. Companion Animals New Zealand would like to thank all the sponsors who made this event possible – outlined below.
CANZ Welfare Director Advocates for a Good Life for all Horses involved in sport and leisure
Companion Animals In A Changing World Conference 2024
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T RELY ON FACEBOOK TO FIND YOUR LOST PET
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T RELY ON FACEBOOK TO FIND YOUR LOST PET
The manager of the charity that runs New Zealand’s microchip database for pets is reminding pet owners that social media should be one of the last steps in the search for a lost pet.
On October 25th, Companion Animals New Zealand, merged it’s two pet services - the NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) and LostPet.co.nz to create a “super site” for lost and found animals.
General Manager, David Lloyd, says the newly amalgamated site should be the first place people go if they have lost or found a pet.
“We have combined our free lost and found website with our microchip database of 1.2million microchipped animals.” says Lloyd.
“Many pet guardians have experienced that horrible feeling of having an animal go missing, and not knowing where to start. Now, our super site means guardians have a clear course of action to take.”
In New Zealand, microchipped animals are likely to be found and then scanned at any one of 900+ vet clinics, SPCAs or animal shelters, so Lloyd says it is important to check your details on the NZCAR are correct as quickly as possible.
“Because of the merger, people can also check our free ‘found’ listings at the same time. Every found animal that is taken to the SPCA will automatically get a LostPet listing on our site, so if your pet is not microchipped, or not registered, then the super site is still the best place to come.”
Performing a thorough physical search is an important second step, remembering that cats will usually be within a few houses of home and can be excellent hiders, especially if they are scared or injured.
If you still need to create a lost pet listing, then it is free to do so, whether your pet is microchipped or not, and then, finally, from there you can share your post to Facebook.
“Social media definitely has it’s place in lost and found pet reunions, and there are many well-managed pages in New Zealand” says Lloyd. “But Facebook curates content so not everyone will see your post, and your post will be pushed down the page as new lost animals are listed.”
Companion Animals NZ recommend posting to the NZCAR/LostPet site first and sharing from there, so guardians only need to manage their listing in one place. Listings are live for four weeks but can be renewed indefinitely.
“Ideally pet guardians would be proactive and get their pet microchipped before they go missing, and they should ensure that they are registered on the NZCAR.” Lloyd says the registration step is sometimes missed – as is often done by the vet clinic who implant the chip, but sometimes it is left for pet guardians to do themselves. It is also important to remember that NZCAR registration is different from council registration for dogs.
Lastly, Lloyd says to not give up hope. “We have dozens of stories of happy reunions after pets and people have been separated by large distance and many months”.
The NZ Companion Animal Register was launched in 2007 and now has registered 1,250,000 animals, including 700,000 cats, 530,000 dogs, 10,000 rabbits, and 700 horses. All animals adopted from the SPCA are registered on the NZCAR automatically at adoption time. Funds from the register are used to support desexing campaigns and for other animal welfare projects.
LostPet.co.nz, formerly knows as Pets on The Net, was established in 2002 and became a Companion Animals NZ service in 2017.
Companion Animals New Zealand provide a 24-hour support service for lost and found pets at www.animalregister.co.nz or on freephone 0508 LOSTPET (567 873).
Contact information:
David Lloyd
General Manager
Companion Animals New Zealand david@companionanimals.nz
