[ad_1]
Archive photo.
photo: RNZ/Rebekah Parsons-King
Seven cows have been euthanised at a Southland dairy farm after they were found stuck in mud and without enough water.
Animal welfare officers from the Ministry for Primary Industries recently visited the farm at Riverton, near Invercargill, following a complaint.
They found about 2,000 cattle surrounded by mud and insufficient water.
Five cows were euthanized by animal welfare inspectors acting on the advice of a private veterinarian, while the other two were euthanized by the farm manager.
Glen Burrell, head of compliance and response at the Ministry for Primary Industries, said the farmer had been required to relocate the remaining cattle under the Animal Welfare Act and had been given further instructions on how to reduce the impact of the mud on the cattle.
Veterinary assessments are being conducted on all cattle.
“We would like to remind all farmers that a well-planned winter grazing system is beneficial to animal health and welfare. It ensures animals have adequate and suitable feed, plentiful clean water and have free access to feed and water.
“While most farmers are trying to do the right thing and have improved their winter grazing practices in recent years, this is still an important reminder to plan ahead,” Barrell said.
MPI’s investigation remains ongoing and further action will be considered where appropriate.
[ad_2]
Source link
