increase font size
A South Canterbury farmer was fined $17,500 for starving and ill-treating his sheep.
A lifestyle farmer has been fined $17,500 for the reckless ill-treatment of his sheep, failing to provide them with proper feed, and not treating them for parasites.
Donald Charles Pelvin, 67, was sentenced in Christchurch District Court today on three animal welfare charges brought by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
MPI national animal welfare and NAIT compliance manager Gray Harrison says MPI investigates reports of animal mistreatment and takes appropriate action against offenders.
“These animals were Mr Prelvin’s responsibility and he failed them.
“Mr Prelvin did not give them the feed and veterinary treatment they needed and as a result they suffered unnecessary pain and distress,” Harrison says.
He says animal welfare inspectors visited Prelvin’s property at Pleasant Point on 5 August 2019 following a complaint from a member of the public.
“At the time of the inspection, Mr Prelvin was responsible for 75 sheep and 27 lambs.
“There was very low pasture cover in the paddocks and no supplementary feed available,” says Harrison.
As a result of the lengthy and combined effects of minimal feed and heavy parasite burden the inspection identified 20 emaciated sheep along with six dead in and around the water race. Another sheep was found tangled in fencing wire.
“13 of the 20 sheep required euthanasia to end their suffering. The other seven were able to be managed in order to save their imminent lambs,” says Harrison.
MPI is strongly encouraging members of the public who are aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints line so that prompt action can be taken.
The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
An initiative by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to connect farmers with scientists is taking off judging by the response at recent regional field days.
Scientists from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are part of an international team working to develop a low-cost diagnostic tool that could significantly improve food crop production in developing countries.
Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg says she takes her hat off to all NZ growers for the hard yards they have put in over the last few years which have resulted in horticulture exports expected to reach the milestone of $8 billion this year.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
New Zealand's red meat sector says it is disappointed by the United States' decision to impose tariffs on New Zealand exports.
OPINION: Farmers nationwide will be rubbing their hands with glee at the latest news from the Government about the RMA reforms.
Holstein Friesian NZ and Link Livestock have agreed on a strategic partnership to provide HFNZ members with comprehensive services from one of New Zealand's most respected dairy men.
Rural retailer Farmlands has launched a new casual clothing range available across 42 stores nationwide and through its online store.
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…
