Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
A Nelson lifestyle block owner who failed to treat a cow, suffering from severe cancer eye, has been fined $4,200.
Kathryn Rona Saunders (57) was sentenced in the Nelson District Court today on one charge under the Animal Welfare Act of reckless ill-treatment of an animal, she pleaded guilty to following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
“This animal was in serious pain and distress and our investigation found that instead of bringing in qualified veterinary support, Ms Saunders attempted to remove the cancer herself, with the help of her son. This action was unconscionable,” says MPI director of animal welfare and response, Glen Burrell.
There were 29 mixed age beef cattle on the property, and in November last year, following a complaint, an animal welfare inspector examined the Hereford cross cow which had a large growth on the side of its head. The lesion was cancerous and had spread from the cow’s eye to throughout the left-hand side of the cow’s head.
“This growth was entirely visible, and at no point did Ms Saunders seek veterinary help. Our attending veterinarian advised euthanising the animal immediately and described it as one of the worst cases of cancer eye he had seen in 30 years of practice.
The cow was euthanised to stop any further suffering.
“When we find evidence of deliberate neglect – we will investigate and take action by placing the matter before the court,” Glen Burrell says.
MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
