A 54-year-old Hastings man is banned from owning livestock for five years and slapped with a $7800 fine after he failed to provide 26 cattle with sufficient food.
Rufus Mohi Watene was sentenced in the Hastings District Court this week after the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) successfully prosecuted him under the Animal Welfare Act.
MPI regional manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance Joanna Tuckwell said in a statement that two cattle died, two were euthanised and the surviving animals were severely underweight.
"All animal owners have a responsibility to their animals, regardless of the number in their care. Most people in charge of animals do the right thing by them," she said.
"This situation was particularly disappointing because it was entirely preventable if Mr Watene took the right steps."
In July 2021 MPI animal welfare inspectors observed Watene's Te Hauke property and saw underweight cattle with spines, hipbones and ribs visibly prominent.
"The pasture was poor, and the straw being fed was of low quality and not sufficient to meet daily nutritional needs for these animals.
"A search warrant was obtained, and Animal Welfare inspectors and a veterinarian went onto the property and discovered two dead cattle along with a calf and another cow that both had to be euthanised," Tuckwell added.
She said the vet concluded the cause of death was likely starvation.
Tuckwell added that Watene wasn't an experienced farmer but knew the animals were in poor condition for at least a month.
"Instead of seeking help Mr Watene left them to suffer and he quite simply failed these animals."
The animals that did survive received proper care and have since been sold.
The 54-year-old has also been ordered to pay for veterinary costs totalling $2046,77.
MPI urges those who become aware of suspected ill-treatment, cruelty, or neglect to contact their animal welfare team on 0800 00 83 33.
