New Zealand’s political parties have been put under the microscope over animal welfare, with a new SPCA election scorecard revealing significant differences on issues ranging from dangerous dogs and breeding practices to fireworks, colony cages and pig farming.

SPCA asked seven political parties 12 questions in September, with 11 issues ultimately included in its election scorecard.

ACT, the Animal Justice Party, the Greens, New Zealand First, Labour, National and Opportunity responded.

SPCA said about two thirds of New Zealand households had at least one companion animal, while research cited by the organisation found 95 percent of New Zealand adults believed protecting the welfare of farmed animals was important.

One of SPCA’s priorities was reform of the 30 year old Dog Control Act, pointing to increasing dog bite incidents, roaming dogs and inconsistent enforcement between councils.

There was broad political agreement on the need for change.

National said the Government was already undertaking a comprehensive review of the legislation to address rising attacks, roaming dogs and outdated council enforcement powers.

Labour backed reform, saying people should be able to walk through parks and neighbourhoods without worrying about dangerous dogs and councils needed appropriate powers to deal with nuisance and dangerous behaviour.

ACT supported reform and said councils may need greater powers and better national coordination. The party pointed to a $468,000 grant provided to SPCA for dog desexing, which alongside SPCA funding brought the initiative to nearly $1.2 million.

New Zealand First supported updating the law, including stronger enforcement powers for councils and a greater focus on early intervention and owner accountability.

The Greens, Opportunity and Animal Justice Party also supported reform.

SPCA also wanted greater regulation of dog breeders, boarding facilities and dog daycares, saying poor oversight could contribute to uncontrolled breeding, inherited health problems, inadequate socialisation and inappropriate confinement.

There was less agreement over intensive farming.

SPCA wanted farrowing crates phased out, saying they restricted mother pigs during and after birth and prevented normal behaviour. Under changes made in 2025, the crates can continue to be used for seven days at a time after 2035.

Labour said it wanted a better long term solution for pig welfare and had strongly opposed the Government’s decision allowing farrowing crates to continue for another decade.

National backed the 2025 changes, saying they reduced confinement periods, increased space requirements and provided farmers with certainty.

ACT also supported the changes, arguing measures that disrupted domestic pork production could increase imports from countries with lower animal welfare standards.

New Zealand First opposed what it described as “unworkable bans”, saying animal welfare rules should also take farming practicality and economic viability into account.

The parties were also divided over colony cages for egg laying hens.

SPCA wanted colony cages phased out, saying millions of hens remained confined and unable to express normal behaviours.

The Greens supported a phase out and also wanted to end debeaking, while Opportunity and the Animal Justice Party backed ending colony cages.

ACT opposed further regulation, saying it could increase egg prices, while National said future decisions should be guided by independent scientific advice and the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.

New Zealand First opposed what it considered unworkable bans.

SPCA wanted the private sale and use of fireworks banned because of the fear, distress, injury and death they could cause companion animals, wildlife and farm animals. It supported controlled public displays and alternatives including light and drone shows.

The Greens, Animal Justice Party and New Zealand First supported a ban on private fireworks.

ACT said a ban was not party policy.

National opposed a ban, saying it would affect people who used fireworks lawfully and responsibly and that personal freedom and cultural traditions should be considered.

Labour expressed concern about the harm private fireworks could cause animals but had yet to release its full animal welfare policy.

SPCA also sought national legislation requiring companion cats to be microchipped, registered and desexed to help address cat overpopulation.

The Greens, Animal Justice Party and New Zealand First explicitly backed national requirements for microchipping and desexing.

ACT said it had not formed a position and would consider the proposed legislation if it was drawn from Parliament’s ballot.

Other SPCA priorities included requiring imported animal products to meet welfare standards equivalent to those imposed on New Zealand producers, maintaining transparency and accountability in commercial fishing and establishing independent oversight of the animal welfare system.

The organisation also raised concerns about changes to donation tax credits.

A $100,000 annual cap on donations eligible for the donation tax credit takes effect from April 2027.

SPCA estimated its supporters could collectively receive about $810,000 less in donation tax credits each year and was concerned the change could reduce funding available for animal welfare services and investment.

SPCA said the scorecard was not intended to be the sole source of information when deciding how to vote, but gave New Zealanders a way to compare the animal welfare positions communicated directly by political parties.