In 2015, New Zealand was awarded an “A” ranking from World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index, acknowledging that New Zealand's Animal Welfare Act 1999 was (and remains) one of the most progressive and stringent animal welfare regimes in the world. It is, however, presently unknown whether the obligations that the Act imposes are adequately enforced; that is, whether New Zealand's animal welfare regime is as good in practice as it has been judged in theory. Our research aims to address this question. In doing so we aim to offer insight into how to further promote the good for animals in jurisdictions well-regarded for their animal welfare legislation.