New probe into "unacceptable" calf treatment on New Zealand dairy farms

New Zealand farming authorities launched an investigation on Wednesday into new evidence of mistreatment of bobby calves in the country's pillar dairy sector.

The undercover footage filmed by animal rights group Farmwatch showed bobby calves being dropped, dragged and thrown as they are removed from farms, delivering a new blow to the animal welfare reputation of New Zealand's biggest industry.

Bobby calves - the offspring of dairy cows, which have to give birth about once a year to keep them in milk - are routinely sent from the farm to slaughter at just a few days old.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said the footage warranted a full investigation.

"Throwing, dropping and dragging calves in the way the video shows is unacceptable," MPI manager compliance operations Gary Orr said.

"The behavior we have seen is deeply disappointing given that MPI and industry have worked very hard to promote best practice in animal welfare, in every part of the bobby calf supply chain, leading into this bobby calf season."

In August, the government introduced new rules on the treatment of bobby calves in a bid to enhance the international reputation of its farming sector after recent scandals.

At the time, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said animal welfare was important "not just to animals, but to consumers and our export markets."

The MPI had seen improved behavior and handling since the regulations were implemented, "which makes the actions of the individuals captured in this footage even more disappointing."

"Additional regulations to safeguard the welfare of bobby calves will be introduced prior to bobby calf season next year," said Orr.

Animal welfare groups and opposition lawmakers said on Wednesday that the new regulations appeared to have had little effect and called for more inspections of the treatment of bobby calves.

In November last year, MPI launched an investigation into the brutal treatment of bobby calves after video footage was broadcast showing the days-old animals being kicked, thrown and bashed prior to their slaughter.

Orr said the MPI investigation into that footage resulted in a prosecution and subsequent conviction for bobby calf abuse, while a related matter was still before the courts.

In addition, MPI had a number of live prosecutions related to the current bobby calf season. Endit