MPI said prosecution for animal welfare offences was likely. Photo: RNZ / Sally Round
MPI staff are on Friday back at a farm where winter grazing practices were so bad seven cows had to be euthanised last month.
Following a complaint about the Riverton farm, near Invercargill, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) animal welfare officers found about 2000 cows surrounded by mud with insufficient water.
MPI director of compliance and response Glen Burrell said the operation and investigation on the farm was continuing, and MPI's animal welfare team would be back on Friday.
"A plan is in place to move affected animals to separate paddocks and off the property over the coming days. Ninety in-calf cows have already been removed, and our inspectors will be there today to continue to ensure the animals' welfare.
"We've hired a dairy farm consultant to help ensure the animals' welfare. An independent vet is also being used to help inform ongoing work."
Burrell said while MPI's investigation was ongoing, and prosecution for animal welfare offences was likely, its top priority for now was ensuring the animals' well-being.
"In recent weeks, MPI has undertaken 20 proactive visits of farms across Southland to look at winter grazing practices, and the majority of farmers are doing well."
