Farmers need gun licences

A law banning farmers from "bashing calves to death with a hammer or other blunt instrument" will have an impact on licensed firearms on farms.

Calls for a law change for "humane" slaughtering on farms will force farmers to ensure they have a firearms licence.

The government is looking at introducing a law banning farmers from "bashing calves to death with a hammer or other blunt instrument".

Tracy Amos, vice-president of Wairarapa Deerstalkers, said many farmers in Wairarapa don't have a gun licence to be able to slaughter calves humanely.

She is holding a firearms licence training workshop in conjunction with Masterton police and the NZ Mountain Safety Council for farmers needing to get their licence before the law comes into effect, anyone wanting to learn to shoot or staff at outlets where ammunition or firearms are sold.

Provincial president for Federated Farmers, Jamie Falloon said the proposed law was sensible.

"You have to be concerned with animal welfare. There needs to be consequences if you're not."

The licence session will be held at Parkvale Hall in Carterton on the corner of Para Rd and Kokotau Rd on Thursday, July 17, from 1pm to 4pm.

To get a firearms licence people need to complete this training, fill out an application form, pay a fee and get two passport photos and deliver this to the police.

To register phone 06 379 5454 or email martin.tracy@xtra.co.nz