Farmer applauded for reporting employee who broke cattle tails

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The actions of a farmer who reported one of his employees for breaking the tails of 40 cattle have been applauded by farming organisations and the Veterinary Association.

Saul Jacob Beaumont of Taranaki broke the 40 tails out of the 200 cattle he harmed. He is due to be sentenced in Hamilton District Court in September.

The Veterinary Association said authorities were seeking to have Beaumont banned from owning or working with animals for no less than 20 years.

A ban would send a strong message to those who treated animals cruelly, said Dr Neil MacPherson of the Veterinary Association.

Federated Farmers Dairy Chairperson Chris Lewis said Beaumont's actions went against the very nature of a person who worked with animals.

"It is indefensible and he has let the industry down by letting his anger get the better of him."

The employer has acted promptly, written warnings to Beaumont, and ultimately reported him to authorities - which is "truly encouraging", he said.

Dairy NZ said the key to managing cows was to work with them, not against them.

"Cows will easily comply if they are treated well," team leader Nita Harding said.