A farmer who failed to adequately feed cattle, treat animals for worms and tend to ill and injured cattle, has been banned from owning or managing animals for a decade.
(file picture) Photo: 123RF
Michael William Goodwin's animal welfare offending was discovered between March and October 2020 after the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) received two complaints.
When inspectors arrived at his farm they found evidence of animals in pain and distress, two animals were showing signs of bottle jaw and one had signs of mouth infection known as woody tongue.
Inspectors also found a Hereford bull with an injured right hind leg in a severely lame state.
Seven of Goodwin's cattle and sheep had not been provided proper and sufficient feed, 14 cattle were discovered with parasitic worms, and a Hereford bull was found with a severely infected puncture wound.
MPI laid six charges against Goodwin under the Animal Welfare Act.
At sentencing at the Dargaville District Court last week the 75 year-old was fined $6500, he was ordered to reimburse veterinarian costs totalling $2252.40 and was prohibited from owning or exercising authority over cattle and sheep for 10 years.
MPI regional manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance Brendon Mikkelsen said this outcome - particularly the prohibition should send a strong message to all people responsible for production animals.
"People in charge of animals are responsible for their animal's health and well-being at all times. Most farmers recognise this and provide enough feed for their animals, drench them to manage parasites, and treat their injuries."
"Despite knowing what he had to do, Mr Goodwin failed to take necessary and reasonable actions which would have improved the welfare of his animals," Mikkelsen said.