Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is off the hook after flourishing a live crayfish in Parliament, with the Ministry of Primary Industries finding the crustacean was treated in accordance with industry best practice.
The ministry received at least six animal welfare complaints after Jones paraded the live crayfish in front of journalists to celebrate Seafood Week in late May, telling the press he would be consuming it later that week on the night of the Budget.
"This koha will be consumed on the night of the Budget," he told 1News.
"I’m not taking it into the house for fear of the Speaker confiscating it and consuming it."
The Ministry of Primary Industries spoke to witnesses and made enquiries with the Minister's office about the incident.
"We can confirm the crayfish was transported and stored in accordance with industry best practice," a minstry spokesperson told 1News.
"We can also confirm the crayfish was humanely euthanised before it was cooked."
Rock lobster, crayfish, crabs and kōura were protected under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
Under the law you must not cause them any unnecessary pain or distress and you must kill them humanely.
This included ensuring crustaceans were unconscious before they were killed – through either electric stunning or chilling them to 4C.
Failure to comply with the law risked a $5000 fine.
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