The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) said today it had completed its first phase of investigation into recent alleged animal welfare breaches.
The inquiry was launched after undercover video footage by animal rights activists appeared to show rough handling of sheep during shearing on an Otago farm.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) recently revealed it went to 11 farms and shearing sheds in New Zealand that produced ZQ-certified wool from 2023 to the end of last year and said the footage showed disturbing conduct, such as hitting sheep with objects or repeatedly slamming a sheep’s head into a board.
In a statement today, Glen Burrell, Director Compliance and Response at MPI, said a dedicated team had analysed 235 video files.
“We have identified some instances in the video footage which are very concerning, and these are our focus in the next phase of the investigation.
“There are a range of actions we can take in response, to ensure the protection of animals and to hold those who mistreat animals to account. In this case it could include prosecution and disqualifying individuals from working with animals.”
He said they were continuing to speak to Peta, as well as industry groups and farm owners, and had also made visits to farms.
“I want to thank everyone for their support and cooperation so far."
He said that separate to the investigation, MPI was working with wool sector groups to establish an oversight group to support good animal welfare practice and continuous improvement in the industry.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) also put out a statement today, saying it was running an independent investigation for breaches of its ZQ Standard.
It said through the footage it had identified two ZQ farms, and a number of non-ZQ growers.
"NZM cannot provide the names of these properties, nor any third parties (e.g. shearing sub-contractors) involved due to the Privacy Act 2020 and so as not to prejudice the outcome of the ongoing MPI investigation.
"NZM immediately suspended these farms from the ZQ programme and will move to determine if any breach of the ZQ Standard has occurred."
It said NZM and its growers were appalled by the footage and "unequivocally condemn" the mistreatment of animals.
"The behaviour captured in Peta's footage does not reflect the values or practices of the 600-strong ZQ grower base. These farms, many of which are multi-generational family properties, are committed to being part of a standard that advocates for the highest levels of animal welfare.
"We categorically reject the claim that animal abuse is in any way a typical occurrence within the ZQ programme. We have zero tolerance for breaches of our standards."
It said it had taken the following immediate action:
- The farms we have been able to identify have been suspended from the ZQ programme pending completion of our investigation
- Unprocessed wool from the two identified farms has been quarantined in the supply chain
- Reengaged Peta and MPI directly requesting the names, locations and dates of the farms
- Initiated a rapid response assessment of all ZQ farms to determine that current animal welfare protocols are being upheld and identify potential gaps in our monitoring process
- Requested an additional 50 animal welfare-focused spot inspections, to be completed by Control Union, our third-party auditor, by the end of February
- NZM’s in-shed observation visits during shearing will now be accompanied by a third-party auditor
- Commissioning an independent industry working group to develop recommendations for enhanced welfare and monitoring
- In addition to the third-party spot inspections on farm, there will also be independent monitoring of the programme certification and assurance processes.
"We are also exploring the continual advancement of our monitoring and control protocols during shearing and for animal handling practices."
It said the following actions were being considered to support the improvement of the ZQ Standard:
- The use of video surveillance during shearing for independent review by auditors
- Unannounced inspections by third parties during heightened risk times of the season (e.g. shearing)
- The appointment of trained, designated animal welfare officers in shearing sheds during shearing for each ZQ property
- APL
