Farmers struggle with water and feed shortages
The drought in western parts of the North Island is reaching crisis point with many farmers from Northland to Taranaki having to truck in water and feed for their stock at great expense.
The eight organisations that formed the Bobby Calf Action Group at the end of 2015 have added to existing measures aimed best practice handling and care of bobby calves.
MPI's Deputy Director General, Scott Gallacher says there has been significant work by the group to advance initiatives to improve transporting and processing of bobby calves.
"Farmers, industry and government have been working for some years on lifting the standard of care for bobby calves and that has been effective," says Gallacher.
"Last year's footage of bobby calf mistreatment provided an impetus to accelerate the work programme."
DairyNZ's chief executive Tim Mackle says the issues go beyond the farmgate.
"There are many players in the value chain and it was important that we got together to solve these issues," says Mackle.
"We saw some unacceptable behaviour last year and we are committed to eliminating it from the industry."
Gallacher noted that MPI's investigation into potential animal mistreatment following the release of the bobby calf footage is ongoing.
A processing worker pleaded guilty to all 10 charges on bobby calf treatment when he appeared in court early June. MPI also laid a further four representative charges against a company and an individual last month on alleged animal welfare offences involving bobby calves. The first hearing for those is scheduled for late June 2016.
The Bobby Calf Action Group is made up of DairyNZ, Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, Meat Industry Association, Federated Farmers, New Zealand Petfood Manufacturers Association, Road Transport Forum, New Zealand Veterinary Association and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
People who are aware of bobby calf welfare issues should report them to the MPI's hotline – 0800 00 83 33.
