Way of life farmer slapped with two-year ban

A South Auckland way of life farmer has been banned from proudly owning or being accountable for any cattle underneath the age of 12 months, after two of his animals needed to be euthanised.

Smith (Sam) Salevao, 28, was sentenced in Papakura District Court on August 7 after pleading responsible to 1 cost underneath the Animal Welfare Act, following a profitable prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 

The ban from proudly owning or being accountable for younger cattle is for 2 years.

In May 2024, animal welfare inspectors visited a way of life block and located 12 younger calves in extraordinarily skinny situation, with no satisfactory meals or shelter accessible, MPI district supervisor of animal welfare and NAIT compliance Cody Taylor mentioned.

“One calf needed to be instantly euthanised by a veterinarian to stop additional struggling.

“While we instructed Mr Salevao on how to provide the right care for the remaining calves, following a search warrant, we had to euthanise one other calf to end its suffering.”

All animal house owners or individuals accountable for agricultural animals are accountable for making certain they meet their animals’ bodily, well being, and behavioural wants. 

This consists of offering high quality and enough meals and water, satisfactory shelter, well timed veterinary care, and the chance to show regular patterns of animal behaviour.  

“Throughout our investigation, we worked with Mr Salevao on how to improve the standard of care for his calves. Mr Salevao failed to provide the basics, so we took action and placed the matter before the court,” Taylor mentioned.