Wilson & Dorset sheepskins are sourced from New Zealand. These sheepskins are the biproduct of pastoral farming where sheep are raised primarily for meat. By utilising the sheepskin, we are making full use of this resource. In November 2014, World Animal Protection released its Animal Protection Index, which ranks 50 countries across the world on their animal welfare standards. This placed New Zealand in first place alongside the United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland.
NZs high ranking from World Animal Protection can be attributed to:
• The benign natural environment for pastoral farming in New Zealand • Comprehensive regulations regarding animal welfare • Government enforcement of animal welfare regulations • The need to demonstrate to international consumers that New Zealand meat is ethically sourced • An active animal rights sector in New Zealand
Natural Environment in New Zealand
Unlike other parts of the world, sheep in New Zealand are grass-fed. The cool to warm climate allows the animals to live outside in their natural rural environment, year round. Sheep are pastorally farmed in New Zealand, without the need for factory farming methods.
Comprehensive Regulation
The Animal Welfare Act 1999 underpins animal welfare regulation in New Zealand. This Act establishes a duty of care for animals. It sets out the obligations of animal owners to meet the physical, health and behavioural needs of the animal. The Act is supported by regulations and codes of welfare that are enforced by the NZ government. The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is the primary body responsible for leading, facilitating and enforcing the management of animal welfare policy and practice in New Zealand. See www.mpi.govt.nz
