MPI’s Diana Reaich: Building global trade relationships
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
A Nelson lifestyle block owner has been fined $4,200 after she failed to treat a cow suffering from severe cancer eye.
Kathryn Rona Saunders, age 57, was sentenced in Nelson District Court this week on one charge of reckless ill-treatment of an animal under the Animal Welfare Act.
Saunders pleaded guilty following prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
MPI director of animal welfare and response, Glen Burrell says the animal in question was in serious pain and distress, adding that MPI’s investigation found that, instead of bringing in a veterinarian, Saunders had attempted to remove the cancer herself, with assistance from her son.
“This action was unconscionable,” Burrell says.
There were 29 mixed age beef cattle on the property, and in November 2023, following a complaint, an animal welfare inspector examined the Hereford cross cow which had a large growth on the side of its head.
The lesion was cancerous and had spread from the cow’s eye to throughout the left-hand side of the cow’s head.
“This growth was entirely visible, and at no point did Ms Saunders seek veterinary help,” Burrell says.
“Our attending veterinarian recommended euthanizing the animal immediately and described it as one of the worst cases of cancer eye he had seen in 30 years of practice,” he adds.
The cow was subsequently euthanized to stop further suffering.
“When we find evidence of deliberate neglect – we will investigate and take action by placing the matter before the court,” Burrell says.
MPI says it 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 00 83 33.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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