Media Release From NZVA

Media Release From NZVA

The New Zealand Veterinary Association says the condition of the calves found on Crafar Farms’ Benneydale dairy farm is totally unacceptable.

NZVA president Dr Richard Wild said there is no excuse for animals to be in such poor condition and it was extremely concerning. NZVA supports MAF taking a prosecution if it shown that the Animal Welfare Act has been contravened.

Dr Wild said the Association is committed to working with the agricultural industry to ensure high animal welfare standards are adhered to. For example, in the dairy industry, NZVA members - who work for the NZ Food Safety Authority Verification Agency - have been working with a number of organisations involved with the bobby calf industry in a three-year surveillance project of bobby calves from the farm to slaughter, to improve the welfare of the calves.

Those veterinarians have been out on farms looking at the condition of calves, accompanying the trucks that transport them to slaughter plants and finally monitoring animal welfare compliance at slaughter plants around the country.

Veterinarians, in production animal practice, are out on farms on a regular basis, are specialists in animal health and welfare, and are more than happy to provide advice to farmers, he said.

“We recognise that some farmers maybe reluctant to seek advice because of a number of circumstances including the risk of punitive action, but veterinarians are there to assist and guide farmers about animal welfare issues. Preventative action is much more effective than having to address animal welfare issues when good practices haven't been followed,”said Dr Wild.

ENDS

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