Northland Farmer Fined $15,000 for Neglecting Cattle at Kauri Farms
KAIPARA, NEW ZEALAND - A Northland farmer has been fined $15,000 after admitting to neglecting cattle at his Kauri farms property near Kaipara. The case, heard in court recently, highlighted issues with insufficient feed and inadequate animal care, leading to several animals becoming underweight and unwell.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigated the farm and found a lack of quality pasture,with some calves struggling to eat supplementary feed consisting of mouldy hay and whole kūmara. While the majority of the animals recovered after recommendations were implemented, the farmer, whose name was initially suppressed but later revealed as Mr. Flett, was ultimately convicted and penalized.
according to a report read in court by veterinarian Dr. Muston, “Mr Flett largely followed my recommendations, and the vast majority of animals returned to good health.” The report also stated, ”Some animals did decline in health, but those that became sick were treated or euthanised. Mr Flett did well to remedy the situation. He’s learned from his mistakes.”
Judge Greg Davis denied Flett’s application for name suppression,stating that a conviction alone did not warrant it and that a friend’s concern about business impact didn’t meet the threshold for an “exceptional circumstance.”
as the incident,Flett has reduced his herd size to 50 cattle.In addition to the $15,000 fine, he was ordered to pay $4312 in legal costs to MPI.
MPI regional manager Brendon Mikkelsen emphasized the farmer’s responsibility in a statement following the sentencing. ”These welfare problems were avoidable if Mr Flett had been providing sufficient feed and meeting the physical health and behavioural needs of his animals,” Mikkelsen said.”When we find evidence of animal neglect, we take action.”
