Working together to make New Zealand SAFE for animals
Historic win for hens as
Countdown goes cage-free.
We are a huge step closer to seeing a world where hens dont suffer in cages.
Countdown has finally listened to the thousands
of emails and messages on social media theyve
received from those of us who know that its wrong
to keep a hen confined in a space little bigger than
an A4 piece of paper. Theyve announced theyre
committed to a phase out of all cage eggs, despite
months of saying they couldnt do this.
This is a huge win for people power, and for hens.
Countdown sells 1 in 5 of New Zealands eggs, so their
decision will mean positive change for around FOUR
HUNDRED THOUSAND hens.
A big thank you to each and every person who has
taken action. Were delighted that Countdown has
decided to listen to their customers. This will make a
significant difference for caged hens in New Zealand
and shows the real power that Kiwis have to create
2017 Winter Update
positive change, says Mandy Carter, Campaigns
director. This is the beginning of the end of cage hen
farming. No farmer with common sense would now
invest in the new cruel colony cages.
The actions of 13-year-old Maja Skilling also
made a significant difference. Maja expressed her
disgust at cage eggs by starting a petition which
attracted almost 20,000 signatures. Her petition
will have made an impact on Countdowns decision
makers and shows how together we really can
create positive change for animals.
By law, old-style battery cages have to be
removed by New Zealand egg producers by 2022,
and we need to give a clear message to them that
it would be crazy to pour millions of dollars into
installing the equally cruel colony cages.
After starting her life in
a battery cage, rescued
hen Vera enjoyed a life of
foraging, basking in the sun
and being fed treats.
The fight for hens
has NOT stopped!
We are already in productive dialogue with
Foodstuffs, who owns New World and PAKnSAVE,
and you can help encourage them to follow
Countdowns positive move.

Take Action

Let them know that you would also

support them naming a phase-out
date for all cage eggs at their stores:

Post a message on New Worlds and PAKnSAVEs

Facebook pages, asking them to announce a
cage-free phase-out date of their own.

Want to get involved in our next campaign?

Check out SAFE Animal Action Network today!
Go to www.safe.org.nz and join online.
Caged Being - the social experiment that
highlighted factory farming in New Zealand.

At 10pm on June 2nd 40 people said goodbye to beings by dropping in for extended visits. They
their creature comforts and entered a 56 square included Suzanne Paul, ex-bachelorette Alicia
meter cage inside a disused shop in Ponsonby, Cowan, Chelsie Preston-Crayford and Robyn
to raise awareness of the biggest animal welfare Malcolm.
issue of our timefactory farming.
Media, the public and other supporters followed the
The one of its kind event aimed to bring factory caged beings via livestreaming, as well as in person
farming into the spotlight, to let Kiwis know from the footpath in Central Auckland as they did
how we can all make a difference to make 40 hours of cage time. Funds raised by the unique
New Zealand a better place for animals. The event, will be put towards ending the cruel practise
experiment simulated for 40 hours, what more of factory farming in New Zealand. The volunteers
than 100 million animals experience each day of who took part made a personal sacrifice and a
their lives here in New Zealand. commitment lasting beyond the 40 hours to help
make New Zealand a better place for animals.
Many volunteers came forward to enter SAFEs
cage for the full 40 hours, showing both bravery
and curiosity for the experiment. Amongst
them were SAFE ambassadors Emmett Skilton
(The Almighty Johnsons), Aaron Brunet (2013
Masterchef winner) and his daughter Ariana, social
media influencers Sam Morgan and Tian Tan and
musician Franko Heke. Other well-known SAFE
ambassadors showed their support for the caged
VISIT
Its election year your
chance to speak up!
Let your political candidate know you
care about animals.

On 22 September, New Zealanders will vote for political candidates in

the General Election. Some parties have animal welfare policies and
spokespeople; others dont. You may want to vote to improve the life
of animals in NZ, but not know the best way to do so. We aim to help.

SAFE will look at all the parties policies, and summarise views on
important animal issues like factory farming and live export. Closer to
the election well publish this information.

Before you decide who to vote for you could politely contact your
local candidate via Twitter, email, phone, mail, or by meeting them.
Elections are a time when politicians are more accessible than normal.
Out on the streets, on social media, they reach out to try and get
your vote. You can make sure they know that people care about what
happens to animals, and how political decisions impact them.

Sows confined to farrowing crates, chickens in colony cages and

animals shipped around the world; these can all end if politicians want
them to. Can the animals count on you when you cast your vote?
Pea is one lucky chicken
to have avoided the meat
industry. Her favourite
food is grapes, and she
occasionally sneaks inside
to sit in the laundry basket!
The reality for chickens bred
for meat is a living hell.
In 2016, the number of chickens killed for meat in NZ topped 115 million
for the first time. Last year 80% of animals slaughtered for food in
NZ were chickens.
Chickens bred and killed for meat have short miserable lives, being trucked
off from the barns they are confined in at about six weeks of age. The plight
of broiler chickens, as chickens bred for meat are known as by the industry,
is something the public know little about. Its an important issue due to the
sheer numbers. They suffer every day due to selective breeding, which has
led to unnaturally fast growth that severely impacts the chickens well-being.
The issues exist for free range too the only difference is that they are provided
with some outdoor access for the last two or three weeks of their short life.
Because of their health issues, up to 8000 die a day before slaughter and an
MPI report said more than half of the chickens are unable to walk properly,
meaning many never get to go outside at all.
The New Zealand meat chicken industry is planning growth into export
markets. They want to export not just chicken meat, but more exports of day-
old chicks too. Recently, plans for a huge new farm producing day-old chicks
for export were announced, with the chicks being destined for China.
Keep an eye open for future SAFE actions. You can help by not eating
chicken, and encouraging friends and family to do the same. Check a range
of delicious meat-free recipes at www.safe.org.nz.
SAFE Animal Squad goes online!
The SAFE Youth Group has more than 300 members, with
more Kiwi kids aged 8 14 years joining every day to learn
about animal issues and connect with other children.
As the group has grown it was in need of a new identity; one
that reflects the passionate and supportive nature of the
children, so Youth Coordinator Alex and his team are very
excited to introduce SAFE Animal Squad!
The new website will allow Alex and the SAFE team to connect
better with members of SAFE Animal Squad from across New
Zealand. It will be full of information on animal issues, including
ways Kiwi kids can get involved with making New Zealand a
better place for all animals. Fun and facts will also be on offer
through games and videos. SAFE Animal Squad members will
be able to share stories, videos, and recipes, and help develop
the website.

Staying connected with other compassionate kids and Along with links to the educational Animals & Us curriculum-
learning about animal issues is what SAFE Animal Squad is all based textbook series, the new website will also allow primary
about, and now kids can look forward to a brand new website schoolteachers easier access to the SAFE Animal Squad
launching in July 2017. newsletter to use in their classroom.

The website is currently in development and we

cant wait to have it ready for kids aged 8 14
to share with their friends and family.

This is an exciting chapter for SAFE

Animal Squad keep your eyes and ears
out for the next update!
 Remembering Mila.
We were saddened to hear of the
passing of former circus elephant, Mila.

Many SAFE supporters will remember Mila, who

was freed from being forced to perform in 2009.
Milas hard-won liberation from the circus was an
important moment in New Zealand animal rights
history, and many people keenly followed her
progress when she was transferred to join a herd
of elephants at San Diego Zoo in 2013.

After a lifetime in the circus and cruelly confined

in a truck travelling around the country, Milas
latter years were finally spent in the company of
Mila other elephants friendship which she had been

1973 - 2017 denied for years.

Visit safe.org.nz to Milas story is a landmark victory for animal rights

watch a video about advocates and saw the end of exotic animals
the campaign. performing in circuses in New Zealand.

Upon her move to the US, Mila was greeted by her

new herd. One elephant approached and wrapped
her trunk around Milas own. This unforgettable moment
is a testament to the hard work and passion of those
who fought for Mila.
A voice for ducks.
As we entered another duck
shooting season, once again
SAFE spoke out for ducks.

Despite only a small percentage of the

population taking part in the barbaric
practise of duck shooting, there is very
little active opposition to it, so SAFE is
determined that New Zealanders learn the
other side of this cruel sport.

Studies from overseas show that around

25 - 40% of ducks shot at are not killed
immediately and can die an agonising death
after being fatally injured by shooters.
Species such as mallards and some native
species like paradise ducks are targeted.

The public rely on SAFE for accurate

information about duck shooting and its
desensitisation effect on young people in
particular. SAFE will continue to speak
out on behalf of ducks. To support SAFE
continue to be a voice for ducks, check out
www.safe.org.nz.
Eating kind can change your life.
SAFEs Eat Kind programme has been growing in
leaps and bounds, and it is no wonder why when we
look at recent international research. The scientific
community continues to reinforce the benefits of
plant-based eating and the Eat Kind team have
been keeping an eye on recent developments as
the programme grows.
We thrive when we decide to ditch animal products
like dairy, fish and eggs, and eat a balanced whole
food plant-based diet. A study from Imperial College
London analysed 95 other pieces of research on
populations worldwide and found that if you want to
reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer and
early death youll need to pack that plate full
of veggies. It recommends eating 10 servings of
fruit and vegetables a day.
Another study from right here in New Zealand
(published in the journal Nutrition and Diabetes)
found that an all-you-can-eat, whole food,
plant-based diet can help lower cholesterol,
fight type-2 diabetes and trim your waistline
all without exercise! Participants in the clinical
trial lost an average of 11.5kg in a year.
Every single meal makes a difference, not only to
your own health but also to the environment and the
wellbeing of animals. Find out how easy it is to make
simple choices that make a big impact for animals.
Visit www.safe.org.nz to
order your free copy of
the 100% Vegetarian
Starter Guide, and take
our six-week challenge.
Animals Need You!
From exposing the appalling conditions on colony battery cage farms to
campaigning for an end to rodeo cruelty and producing educational resources
for young people, our work on behalf of animals would not be possible without
the support of compassionate New Zealanders like you.

Giving regularly is one of the most effective ways you can

support our work to help animals.
All donations over $5 are tax deductible, and you will receive a receipt at the
end of every financial year as well as regular updates on how your donation
is being used. Most importantly, you will be a vital part of our work making
New Zealand safe for animals.

Please visit safe.org.nz and click Donate, or call Tara

on: 04 472 9311 to set up your regular gift today.
Thank you.

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