PETA wants web cams in shearing sheds
Animal rights protest group PETA is calling for Agriculture Minister Todd McClay to introduce legislation which would make it mandatory to have live-streaming web cameras in all New Zealand shearing shed.
Bobby calves are showing up at processors in much better condition than before 2016 when the new handling rules took effect.
MPI’s director of animal welfare, Dr Chris Rodwell, says the new regulations prompted farmers to a sudden improvement in bobby calf care, pre works.
He says farmers have told him they are positive about the new regulations and the clarity these give on animal handling.
Before the new rules, videos released by animal rights groups showed bobby calves had been badly treated.
With the calving season now starting, Rodwell says farmers should ensure their facilities for handling bobby calves are in order.
“Check loading ramps and make sure they are compliant and undamaged and don’t have loose nails.
“MPI will have veterinarians at processing plants looking at the state of bobby calves coming through. If we detect calves that are unacceptable this triggers a process to issue an infringement notice. Last year we issued 148 notices -- not huge.”
Rodwell says MPI will also spot check loading ramps then “follow the tracks”. An MPI staffer will go with a trucker checking facilities on farm and spreading the message about compliance.
“We stress the main thing: calves must be kept warm and dry until aged four days. They need good timely feeding including colostrum and they must be fit for transport. If not they should stay on farm.”
A farmer who doubts an animal is fit to transport should err on the side of caution and keep the animal on farm.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
Afimilk, a global dairy farm management solutions provider, has appointed Justin Miller as the new general manager for New Zealand and Australia.
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