Latest letter

The Editor

I write regarding the article “harrowing scenes, southland sheep lying dead in mud” the Otago Daily Times 10th September and the associated SAFE NZ news release.

Footage of numerous dead animals consumed by a mud filled paddock, while others visibly shivering in the cold, were unable to access shelter, screened on evening television news shows.

SAFE quite rightly wrote of their outrage and stated the footage was tragic confirmation of the severe and avoidable consequences of mud farming, which proposed changes to the RMA would make easier.

While this in itself was nothing short of sickening, my stomach turned further when it was reported that Federated Farmers downplayed this appalling display of animal cruelty by suggesting the farmer had simply been “caught out by the rain’.

This behaviour reoccurs and apologists are wheeled out to parrot phrases like ‘animal welfare is paramount, this couldn’t be predicted and NZ farmers are the best in the world”.

The behaviour of the agriculture industry reflects on this country, they must do better.

Gb