No Animal Left Behind: A Thematic Analysis of Public Submissions on the New Zealand Emergency Management Bill

Abstract

This article presents a thematic analysis of submissions made on New Zealand’s Emergency Management Bill. While a key focus is on the importance and frequency of animal welfare concerns raised by submitters, the analysis also examines other critical themes to provide context on the range of issues addressed. The impact of the “No Animal Left Behind” campaign launched by Animal Evac New Zealand in mobilising public engagement on animal welfare provisions is also assessed. Sixty-one percent (n = 191) of public submissions on the Bill raised the importance of including animals in new emergency management legislation and at least 48% (n = 149) of all public submissions were directly attributed to the campaign. Key animal welfare concerns include the need for clear statutory powers and requirements, better coordination and resourcing, and recognition of the human–animal bond. Other prominent non-animal-related themes relate to strengthening community resilience, improving Māori participation in emergency management, and enhancing readiness and response capabilities. Specific recommendations are made for legal changes to better protect animal welfare, including amending key provisions to explicitly address animal rescue and evacuation, mandating animal welfare emergency plans, strengthening animal seizure and disposal processes, and enhancing accountability for animal emergency response charities. With improving animal disaster management law being the most common issue identified, it is logical for a government to apply deliberative democracy to ensure animals are better protected in New Zealand emergency management reforms. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive, multi-faceted reform to create a world-leading emergency management framework.