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OPINION: A simpler, clearer, more effective Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
Following prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries, David Fraser Beck pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act.
He was sentenced on 22 April after his neglect resulted in more than 200 sheep needing to be euthanised due to starvation, severe flystrike and parasite problems.
Evidence of Severe Welfare Failures
The charges included reckless ill treatment of 219 sheep and failing to treat ill or injured animals.
There was also one representative charge relating to 2,164 sheep for failing to provide proper and sufficient food, to provide preventative flystrike treatment and to diagnose and treat sheep for internal parasites.
MPI district manager of animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Tom Teneti says that when animal welfare inspectors visited the farming operation at Waipiropiro station they found evidence of serious animal welfare offending.
“This included many sheep with active flystrike, 17 of which had to be euthanised immediately to prevent further suffering. Sheep carcasses were found throughout the property," Teneti says.
He says Beck was an experienced farmer but failed to provide the basics - sufficient veterinary treatment and quality feed for his sheep.
Majority of Flock Below Welfare Standards
During subsequent visits to the farm, conducted under a search warrant, animal welfare inspectors had 1,497 sheep examined.
The body condition of just 59 of these animals met the minimum standards of the Code of Welfare Sheep and Beef Cattle.
“It was clear that these standards, including providing sufficient food and water, were not being met and that preventative or remedial action was not being taken when animals were showing signs of ill health. Mr Beck was failing in his responsibility to these animals," Teneti says.
Infrastructure Failures Compounded Animal Suffering
Teneti says fences and gates on the farm were in disrepair, and some had been pushed over by sheep and cattle.
"An additional 219 sheep had to be euthanised to end their suffering," he says.
“This was serious offending. These animals were suffering a range of problems including broken legs, lameness, severe flystrike, parasites and starvation. They were euthanised to end their pain and suffering.
“Most farmers do the right thing for their animals and take early action where necessary. Mr Beck let these animals down. When we find evidence of poor practice and cruelty, we take action,” Mr Teneti says.
Beck was also ordered to pay $5,000 costs to MPI.
MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 008 333.
