Few animal welfare issues in dry North Canterbury

Few animal welfare issues in dry North Canterbury

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has complimented farmers on how they have managed animal welfare through the prolonged North Canterbury drought.

Canterbury-based MPI Animal Welfare Manager Peter Hyde says there have had been very few animal welfare issues to deal with in North Canterbury.

“Sheep are a bit lighter than ideal but not to the extent where they are below the minimum standard that breaches of the Animal Welfare Act.”

Mr Hyde says farmers have adopted different management strategies to maintain the condition of their animals.

“Many farmers have been feeding out since January. Some farmers have found grazing outside the drought affected areas. Most farmers would have reduced their stock numbers, which has included selling off capital stock. No matter which strategy has been used, it has resulted in a significant loss of income to many North Canterbury farmers.”

Peter Hyde says he was impressed with the support that had been provided by many organisations.

“North Canterbury veterinarians and New Zealand Beef and Lamb have run very well attended field days to assist farmers with their tactics to manage through the drought.”

“Federated Farmers have organised the supply of donated feed.

“The Rural Support Trust has visited (200 farms) to check how farming families are coping with the difficult situation. Many people have also been involved with organising social events.”

In April, these groups came together to form the North Canterbury Drought Committee. The committee is chaired by Hurunui Mayor, Winton Dalley, who is also a farmer in North Canterbury himself.

While MPI does not provide financial assistance to farmers, some funding has been provided to the Rural Support Trust to support its work and to fund a coordinator for the North Canterbury Drought Committee.

There has been little significant rainfall in North Canterbury and the drought continues. The North Canterbury Drought Committee will need to continue to monitor both the welfare and stock and farmers into the future.

© Scoop Media