Veterinarians and animal welfare investigators are at a West Coast farm amid reports of hundreds of neglected dairy cows.
The Greymouth Star understands the farmers, at Rotomanu, are relatively new to dairying and became financially strapped.
Hundreds of stock are believed to be involved; some have died or been put down and others sent to the meatworks.
The Ministry for Primary Industries Canterbury-Westland compliance manager Peter Hyde said an investigation had been initiated and its animal welfare investigators and veterinarians were assessing the herd.
It would confirm the location only as being in the 'Lake Brunner area'.