Auckland man who illegally killed and sold pigs fined $8,000
An Auckland man who illegally killed and sold pigs and a chicken has been fined $8,000.
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.
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.
Investing in your people and in your own leadership skills is the path to success for a farming business, says economist Shamubeel Eaqub.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…