Ministry of Primary Industries staff are back at a farm where winter grazing practices were so bad seven cows had to be euthanised last month.
Following a complaint about the Riverton farm, near Invercargill, MPI animal welfare officers found about 2000 cows surrounded by mud with insufficient drinking water.
MPI director of compliance and response Glen Burrell said the operation and investigation on the farm was continuing
"A plan is in place to move affected animals to separate paddocks and off the property over the coming days. Ninety in-calf cows have already been removed, and our inspectors will be there today (yesterday) to continue to ensure the animals’ welfare.
"We’ve hired a dairy farm consultant to help ensure the animals’ welfare. An independent vet is also being used to help inform ongoing work."
Mr Burrell said while MPI’s investigation was ongoing, and prosecution for animal welfare offences was likely, its top priority for now was ensuring the animals’ well-being.
