An investigation into a Kaitoke stud farm is continuing.

The SPCA confirmed this week that its investigation into Regal Fern Lodge is "still active and ongoing" but could not comment any further.

Last year the Racing Integrity Unit (RIU) conducted it's own investigation into the operation and recommended owner Robert Lewis be prevented from breeding registered thoroughbreds.

It recommended preventing Mr Lewis from registering or filing any mare or foal returns with the NZTR Stud Book and feared damage to the racing industry's reputation.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

The RIU report said Wanganui SPCA also visited Mr Lewis' property in June. "They inspected 28 horses and gave them an average body conditioning score of 2/5," the RIU report says.

In 2015 North Taranaki SPCA removed five broodmares from Mr Lewis' care for welfare reasons. Around that time Mr Lewis set up Regal Fern Lodge in Waitotara before moving it to Kaitoke to stand stallion Little Wonder, which he leases.