Mud farming continues in the South Island – SAFE
Images and video provided to SAFE show winter grazing conditions on many farms haven’t improved in parts of Southland and Otago.
The content shows sheep caked in mud, a mother cow licking her calf lying in the mud, another calf who lies motionless in the mud, cows struggling to walk in mud up to their knees, with no dry land or shelter.
SAFE CEO Debra Ashton said it’s clear that animals are still suffering on muddy paddocks, and the Ministry for Primary Industries needs to improve its monitoring.
“This is mud farming, and every winter it’s the same story,” said Ashton.
“Simply put, winter grazing practices haven’t improved on a lot of farms and MPI are not doing enough to protect animals from suffering.”
New winter grazing regulations were meant to come into effect in May 2021, but earlier this year the Government deferred new regulations to 2022, allowing the sector to self-regulate in the interim.
When cows are kept in wet and muddy conditions, welfare issues that may result include poor hoof health and lameness, an inability to properly rest and ruminate, and increased risk of mastitis. Calves born in muddy conditions are also at risk, as their small bodies make them vulnerable to suffering in the cold and wet conditions
“Winter grazing is one of several areas where the Government has been slow to take action.”
“Our Government talks about its aspirations to have the best animal welfare standards in the world. It’s time to walk the talk by appointing a fully resourced Commissioner for Animals with the power and will to regulate and enforce animal welfare laws.”
I have experience in stock raising and these instances puzzle me. I leave the suffering of the animals aside for this( though it is obviously shocking).
Farmers raise stock to make money. You cannot sell sick stock. Nor can you get milk, meat or wool from them.
So why do these farmers want to lose money? It just does not make sense. I wish I could understand why they do it.
About two years ago I asked people I saw working on one dairy farm in the Bay of Plenty why the cows were standing up to their knees in mud. Replies were in broken English and indicated indifference. I reported the place to SPCA but said they would have to get the police to prosecute.
It occurs to me I can make the same example for Covid 19 and opening borders. If for example ; I own a furniture factory and I staff it with unvaccinated workers. Opening the borders does not help me produce goods and make money if my workforce is sick at home or in hospital.
As it is government gives me income during lockdown and all I have to do is wait until it is safe to go back to work.