Mistreating cows 'not the norm' among sharemilkers

"I cannot stress enough how disappointed I am to see this occurring," Zonderop told Dairy News.

"The vast majority of sharemilkers are extremely passionate about the animal welfare on farm, and they go to extreme lengths to ensure that their animals lead a happy, fruitful and productive life.

"I cannot emphasise enough that they are our investments to our future and to see them being harmed in this way is not acceptable," he says.

Last week, Mark Donald Richardson, 48, was sentenced in the Hamilton District Court on two charges under the Animal Welfare Act that he had earlier pleaded guilty to.

Richardson was found responsible for causing tail injuries to 84 cows, leading to some tails being amputated. He was placed on home detention for seven months and banned from being in sole charge of animals for two years. This followed a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

MPI acting regional manager, animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Richard Knight says it takes animal welfare very seriously.

"Most people in charge of animals treat their animals well. One of the disturbing aspects in this case was that four of these animals had to have their tails amputated because their injuries were so severe," says Knight.

A 50:50 sharemilker, Richardson was in sole charge of a herd of about 165 cows at Te Awamutu between November 2015 and 1 February 2020. He sold the herd and because the new owner noticed lumps in many of the cows' tails, a veterinarian examined all the cows and found evidence of tail breaks.

"Richardson admitted that he may have broken some tails accidentally, but 84 cows had injuries and would have suffered prolonged and significant pain, along with distress and the loss or damage to a body part. When we find evidence of animal neglect or deliberate abuse, we take action," says Knight.

MPI encourages anyone with information about potential animal welfare offending to use its confidential hotline number 0800 00 83 33.

Zonderop points out that farming can be a stressful environment.

"Farmers face feed shortages, weather conditions and staffing along with cash flow but there are plenty of avenues available for farmers to seek professional help and I would suggest that if you are feeling overwhelmed seek professional help immediately," Zonderop says.