MPI returns to Southland farm and finds cows being mistreated

The Ministry for Primary Industries said prosecutions for animal welfare offences were likely.
photo: RNZ/Sally Round

This article was amended on 26 July following feedback from the federal Ministry of Farmers and Primary Industries.

Ministry for Primary Industries staff returned on Friday to a farm where winter grazing conditions were so poor that seven cattle were forced to be euthanized last month.

Following a complaint about Riverton Farm, near Invercargill, animal welfare officers from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) About 2,000 cattle were found surrounded by mud and with insufficient water..

Currently, the farm has about 500 dairy cows.

MPI compliance and response director Glen Burrell said operations and investigations into the farm were continuing and MPI’s animal welfare team would return on Friday.

“Currently, three herds of dairy cows are being moved to dry pastures where the pasture quality is good. These cows have been grazing on pastures and due to muddy pastures, they were moved to dry pastures.

“The next step is to transport them back to the dairy farm where they came from.”

Mr Barrell said the Ministry for Primary Industries had hired a dairy farm consultant to help ensure the welfare of the animals.

We have also hired an independent veterinarian to help guide the ongoing work.

Mr Barrell said while MPI was still investigating and there was a high likelihood of prosecution for animal welfare offences, the priority was ensuring the welfare of the animals.

“In recent weeks MPI has proactively visited 20 farms across Southland to check on winter grazing conditions and the majority of farmers are doing well.”