* Defining "work" for animals: This is subjective. Do we include animals used in agriculture (like sheep and cows), working dogs (like sheepdogs and guide dogs), or even pets that provide emotional support?
* No central registry: There's no official database tracking all animals used in various capacities across New Zealand.
However, we can give you some context:
* Agriculture: New Zealand has a significant agricultural industry. Millions of animals (sheep, cows, goats, etc.) are used for food production, wool, and dairy.
* Working animals: There are various working animals in New Zealand, such as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, and farm animals used for specific tasks.
* Pets: Many New Zealanders own pets that provide emotional support and companionship.
Instead of trying to find an exact number, we can focus on the importance of animal welfare in New Zealand:
* New Zealand has laws and regulations to protect animals used in agriculture and for other purposes.
* There are organizations dedicated to animal welfare and advocating for ethical treatment of animals.
It's important to remember that animals play a vital role in New Zealand society, and their welfare should be a priority.