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Stock drivers angry outburst ends in Court

Thursday 11 June 2009, 4:37PM

By Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

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WAIPUKURAU

A Waipukarau truck driver pleaded guilty and was sentenced in the Hastings District Court today for the ill treatment of a lamb in his care. He was fined $800 and ordered to pay court costs of $130.

Tony Millar, a driver for a Waipukarau stock transport company, was unloading sheep at a processing plant when he was seen by a New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) veterinarian to “stomp” on the leg of a lamb.

The lamb was then seen by both Mr Millar and the NZFSA veterinarian to be unable to bear any weight on the stomped leg. The veterinarian made the decision to euthanase the lamb on welfare grounds to end its pain and suffering. Post mortem findings revealed a complete fracture of the leg.

When interviewed by a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Investigator, Mr Millar confirmed he had stomped on the lamb’s leg out of frustration and anger, but did not realise he had broken it. The veterinarian described the stomping action as hard and purposeful with “every appearance of a calculated blow”.

MAF Investigator and Officer in charge of this case, Anthony King said that while the handling of livestock can involve much frustration when animals are difficult to move there is really no excuse for this type of behaviour. Patience is a prerequisite when working with livestock.

“Transport operators and drivers like Mr Millar, need to be aware of, and understand, that they have a duty of care to animals under their control during transport. They are just as responsible for animal welfare as the farmers they collect the animals from.

“We work very closely with NZFSA vets and take an active interest in the welfare of animals during transport to processing plants as well as on arrival”, Mr King said.