Farmer disqualified for owning animals for 25 years

2 October 2007

A 67 year-old farmer, Barry John Walker, was disqualified in the Dunedin District Court last week from owning or exercising authority over farm animals for 25 years and ordered to forfeit to the Crown all sheep tagged during a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) investigation. All remaining sheep must be disposed of by the 12 October 2007, when the disqualification period commences.

Mr Walker was also ordered to pay costs of $4000 incurred for a Defended Hearing which did not proceed in August. An additional fine will be imposed by the Court on 12th October following the disposal of the stock.

In 2005 Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) animal welfare investigators found a flock of approximately 1000 sheep, many heavily dagged and infested with lice. 397 sheep had between 12 to 24 months growth of wool, preventing them from moving freely and causing distress.

Mr Walker was issued with an instruction under s130(1)(b) of the Animal Welfare Act to shear his sheep, treat them for lice, and euthanase any cast sheep unable to walk. Subsequent visits by a MAF investigator found no progress towards complying with the instructions provided, resulting in a Temporary Enforcement Order being issued from the Court as well as a further Compliance Order.

Neither order was complied with, leaving MAF with no choice but to seize the sheep, removing them to facilitate their shearing and drenching to provide for their welfare requirements.

MAF refuted the claims of the defendant who said he had about 620 sheep on his farm, and that only 40 had double fleeces.

"In the opinion of a veterinarian if the sheep were left in this condition, there was a significant risk of them becoming cast or suffering from fly strike," said MAF investigations manager, Greg Reid.

"Mr Walker showed willful disobedience towards the health and welfare of his animals, and reasonable directions as to the needs of his animals. We had no choice but to step in and remove the animals".

Barry Walker had previously been in a similar position with his animals in 1998, 2000 and 2002.

"The Animal Welfare Act places a duty of care on everyone who owns or is in charge of an animal to prevent pain, suffering and distress. This farmer unfortunately has not learned or accepted his obligations under the Act and has failed to attend to the health and welfare needs of his animals. We welcome his disqualification which effectively means he must exit the industry", Mr Reid said.

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