28 February 2025
Following the allegations of animal welfare concerns raised by PETA in late 2024, NZM committed to several immediate actions to investigate and remedy the issues raised.
We committed to three key workstreams:
Third-party investigation of the two ZQ farms identified in the PETA footage.
50 third-party spot inspections across the ZQ supply base to assess ZQ compliance.
A rapid response assessment of ZQ growers to identify any gaps in knowledge, understanding or practice.
These initiatives were designed to ensure that the ZQ programme remains at the forefront of ethical wool certifications and is consistent with our philosophy of continual improvement.
It is important to note that much of the footage released by PETA has been wrongly attributed to ZQ properties.
With our immediate reactive response complete, our focus over the next few months is on developing enhancements to the ZQ programme. Next week we are hosting an industry workshop, facilitated by experts, to inform the options that we will then refine and adopt.
It is crucial that we get this right, and our next update will come once the solutions have been thoroughly tested.
Investigation of the two identified ZQ farms
NZM’s third-party auditor, Control Union, has completed its investigation into the two ZQ grower properties identified in publicly released videos captured at New Zealand sheep farms.
The scope of the investigation was limited to the two ZQ farms and concluded that neither featured in the scenes showing deliberate abuse.
The investigation followed international ISO guidelines, ensuring impartiality, transparency and thoroughness. It had two key objectives:
Verify if allegations of cruelty on the ZQ properties were valid and substantiated
Assess whether any practices violated the requirements of the ZQ Standard and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
Control Union reviewed all available footage, conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews with the growers and other witnesses, and completed a full inspection of their properties.
Two breaches of ZQ and RWS were identified for each property. These related to not meeting expected standards of adequate training and supervision of staff and contractors, minimising stress and best practice animal handling.
As per the ZQ and RWS requirements, the investigator has prescribed corrective measures to be addressed within 30 days. Growers cannot be readmitted to the ZQ programme until these corrective measures are completed to the satisfaction of Control Union.
Both ZQ growers have cooperated fully and engaged positively throughout the investigation process. They have produced clear action plans and procedures to prevent future breaches, specifically these are focused on prioritising supervision and enhancing training for staff and contractors.
“The onsite inspection showed a well-maintained property, sheep viewed were seen to be in good condition with no evidence of mistreatment,” – Control Union Auditor
Spot inspections
Control Union routinely carries out spot inspections of our ZQ grower properties, primarily focused on animal welfare. As part of our immediate response, 52 spot inspections have been completed with additional key requirements added to the criteria.
From the 52 inspections, a total of 35 corrective actions were issued. This is consistent with expectations and with historic audit results.
The majority involved issues with documentation and record keeping. 26 were closed either on the day of the inspection or immediately after.
There are currently 9 pending which must be resolved within thirty days.
Rapid response assessment
A rapid response assessment was completed by ZQ growers to measure the understanding and effectiveness of current animal welfare protocols. The assessment has confirmed:
The majority of growers provide training to both staff and contractors on animal welfare and ZQ Programme requirements.
There is reasonable supervision and attendance of growers at times of heightened risk including shearing, however, some acknowledged that there is room for improvement.
Growers have expressed willingness to engage with regard to enhanced monitoring controls. Where concerns about enhanced monitoring were raised, these were focused on practicality, cost and effectiveness, rather than an inherent reluctance.
The Ministry for Primary Industries is continuing its investigation of the wider footage it received from PETA. NZM will continue to engage with this process if further information is required.
Angus Street
CEO
The New Zealand Merino Company
