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Five Taranaki farms are under Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry watch because of serious animal neglect.
The cases involve three dairy farms and two beef farms in Stratford, Inglewood and Eltham, which will all be monitored until July next year, the Taranaki Daily News reported.
Investigating manager for the ministry, Greg Reid, said summer droughts followed by heavy rains in August and September had not helped the situation, but they were not the sole cause.
"It is worse than usual, but these farms were at risk anyway. Every single one of these cases was avoidable. "
Mr Reid advised other farmers to get help sooner rather than later.
"Farmers know best what is happening on their farms. Don't leave decision-making too late. If they want advice, we would rather be called early rather than late."
Mr Reid said some animals had had to be put down and there was potential for legal action against the farms.
- NZPA
