Farmer found guilty after hundreds of cattle left to starve

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A Rotomanu farmer who stood trial in March for his part in the starvation and death of nearly 800 cows has been found guilty, in a reserved judgment released to the Ministry of Primary Industries today.

David Ham denied charges of animal cruelty and failing to keep stock adequately fed and watered in 2012.

Ham had leased his property to father and son Robert and Jeremy Ussher, who admitted the offences and were sentenced in the Christchurch District Court two months ago.

Robert Ussher pleaded guilty to six charges of animal cruelty and one of failing to provide sufficient food and water, and was sentenced to three months' home detention and community work, while his son Jeremy was fined $5000. He admitted one charge relating to the mistreatment and one of failing to supply.

Both were also disqualified from owning or working with stock unsupervised for three years.

MPI district compliance manager Peter Hyde said today Ham had been found guilty on the substantive charge of "reckless ill-treatment".

The maximum penalty for an individual is up to three years in jail, and-or a fine of up to $75,000.

The lessor charge of failing to meet the physical health needs of 640 animals was dismissed.

Mr Hyde said the ministry was "pleased" with the judgment.

"It proves a serious reminder to farmers who sharemilk or lease their properties that they are still liable for what goes on at their farms and that they have an obligation as owners to ensure the farms are properly managed."

During the hearing in the Greymouth District Court, a veterinarian told of how he was haunted by the death of hundreds of cattle, saying it was the worst starvation he had seen in his 22-year career.

In total, 788 animals were found either dead or dying from starvation on the property, and many were so badly emaciated they had to be euthanised.