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Stuart Wellesley Parkinson is sentenced in the Christchurch District Court. (File photo)
photo: RNZ/Nate McKinnon
A Canterbury farmer has been sentenced to 240 hours of community work for allowing his cattle to starve, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 cows.
Stuart Wellesley Parkinson, 45, was sentenced in Christchurch District Court on Thursday on three charges of breaching the Animal Welfare Act.
As well as the community work order, he was banned from owning any cattle again.
Peter Hyde, animal welfare manager at the Ministry of Primary Industries, said that after receiving a complaint in August 2022, inspectors and a veterinarian went to Parkinson’s farm for an inspection and found at least 20 dead cows.
They also had to euthanize about eight cows and calves.
“These animals are starving, as evidenced by the grinding of their teeth, walking in circles and some being unable to stand,” Head said. “These animals require immediate veterinary attention.”
“The person in charge of an animal is always responsible for the animal’s welfare, including providing good quality feed and water. Mr Parkinson failed to meet these responsibilities.”
In total, there are about 70 cows and 20 calves on the farm, Hyde said.
“There was a lack of grass cover, few water pools, muddy paddocks and dry areas for animals to lie down. The cattle were calving and on inspection their average weight was found to be below the Dairy Cattle Welfare Act.
“Mr Parkinson was certainly well aware of animal welfare issues. He never sought veterinary help.
“Veterinarians diagnosed the cattle as suffering from severe malnutrition due to not being provided with adequate feed. Mr Parkinson, who had been feeding the animals only on grass that winter, said he had been trying to sell the cattle but had run out of feed.”
Hyde encouraged anyone who saw animal abuse or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints line on 0800 00 83 33.
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