KEY POINTS:
Exports of sheep, cattle, deer and goats for slaughter could be prohibited unless the risks to the nation's reputation can be adequately managed, says Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton.
A review of the Government's live export policies expressed concerns about the treatment and handling of livestock, and slaughter practices in importing countries.
It also looked at the potential impact on New Zealand's reputation as a responsible exporter of agricultural products, Mr Anderton said
"It concluded that improvements were needed to manage the risks of potential ill-treatment of animals and any economic consequences that might result from that."
The Green Party has been campaigning for years against the export of live sheep and cattle for slaughter overseas, and has recently argued the trade breaches the Animal Welfare Act.
- NZPA
