SPCA inspectors visit Kaitoke stud farm amid investigation

SPCA staff visited Regal Fern Lodge with a horse float on Monday. Photo / Bevan Conley

SPCA staff have visited a Kaitoke stud farm as part of an investigation into the operation.

The SPCA confirmed in a statement it was at Regal Fern Lodge on Monday as part of the investigation which has been going on since last year.

"The case is still active and our inspectors are continuing their work in relation to ensuring the welfare of the animals involved and to conclude their enquiries," the statement said.

Staff were at the farm with a horse float but no animals were removed from the property.

The SPCA has not yet confirmed whether horses were returned and was unable to make any further comment.

Last year the Racing Integrity Unit (RIU) conducted its own investigation into the operation and recommended owner Robert Lewis be prevented from breeding registered thoroughbreds.

It recommended preventing Mr Lewis from registering or filing any mare or foal returns with the NZTR Stud Book and feared damage to the racing industry's reputation.

The RIU report said that in 2015 North Taranaki SPCA removed five broodmares from Mr Lewis' care for welfare reasons.

Mr Lewis did not want to comment at this stage.