A Hawke’s Bay farmer who caused the death of more than 200 sheep has been put on home detention and disqualified from owning animals for a year.
David Fraser Beck, 46, pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act, after prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries(MPI).
The Hastings District Court ruled his neglect resulted in 219 sheep having to be euthanised because of starvation, severe flystrike and parasite problems.
The charges included reckless ill treatment of the sheep and failing to treat ill or injured animals.
One representative charge related to 2164 sheep for failing to provide proper and sufficient food, to provide preventative flystrike treatment and to diagnose and treat sheep for internal parasites.
Beck was sentenced yesterday to seven and a half months’ home detention and disqualified from being in charge of or owning sheep and cattle for 12 months.
MPI district manager of animal welfare Tom Teneti said inspectors found evidence of serious animal welfare offending when visiting the farm at Waipiropiro station.
“This included many sheep with active flystrike, 17 of which had to be euthanised immediately to prevent further suffering. Sheep carcasses were found throughout the property,” said Teneti, who also manages national animal identification and tracing compliance.
A sheep affected by major flystrike. Photo / Ministry for Primary Industries
“Mr Beck was an experienced farmer but failed to provide the basics – sufficient veterinary treatment and quality feed for his sheep.”
In subsequent visits to the farm, animal welfare inspectors had 1497 sheep examined, and only 59 met the minimum standards of the Code of Welfare Sheep and Beef Cattle.
“It was clear that these standards, including providing sufficient food and water, were not being met and that preventative or remedial action was not being taken when animals were showing signs of ill health. Mr Beck was failing in his responsibility to these animals.
“Fences and gates on the farm were in disrepair, and some had been pushed over by sheep and cattle. An additional 219 sheep had to be euthanised to end their suffering.
“This was serious offending. These animals were suffering a range of problems including broken legs, lameness, severe flystrike, parasites and starvation. They were euthanised to end their pain and suffering.
“Most farmers do the right thing for their animals and take early action where necessary. Mr Beck let these animals down. When we find evidence of poor practice and cruelty, we take action.”
Beck was also ordered to pay $5000 costs to MPI.
MPI said animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and strongly encourages the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone on (0800) 008 333.
