A Waipukurau stock transport driver has been ordered to pay fines and costs of $930 for stomping on the leg of a lamb.
Tony Millar, a driver for a Waipukurau stock transport company, pleaded guilty in Hastings District Court to ill-treating the animal.
Millar was unloading sheep at a processing plant when he was seen by a Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) veterinarian to "stomp" on the leg of a lamb.
The lamb was unable to bear any weight on the leg, and the veterinarian put it down to end its suffering. Autopsy findings revealed a complete fracture of the leg.
Millar told a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) investigator he had acted out of frustration and anger, but did not realise he had broken the leg. But MAF said in a statement the veterinarian described the action as hard and purposeful with "every appearance of a calculated blow".
MAF investigator Anthony King said there was no excuse for the behaviour, even though handling of livestock could involve a lot of frustration.
"Drivers, like Mr Millar, need to be aware of, and understand, that they have a duty of care to animals under their control," he said.
"They are just as responsible for animal welfare as the farmers".
