Animal Neglect Unacceptable

The dairy industry good body, DairyNZ, says dairy farmers have no excuse for ill-treating animals.

“Poor management practices are not acceptable. The industry has been working in this area since the late 1980s. We’ve taken an extremely proactive approach in communicating best practice guidelines to farmers, via our consulting officers, the dairy companies, the processing companies, the transport companies and the media. New Zealand’s standards are based on the Animal Welfare Act and our Welfare Code documents and are internationally regarded as world-class,” says Dr Tim Mackle, DairyNZ Chief Executive.

“While we await the outcome of the MAF investigation into the Benneydale farm, DairyNZ would not stand in support of any farmer found to have breached animal welfare standards. It’s bad for the animals, farmers, the industry, and for our country’s image.”

Dr Mackle says the fact a local farmer came forward and asked MAF to look into the conditions on the property is a good demonstration of the farming community’s high awareness of animal welfare stands.

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