Tuesday, 08 December 2015 11:24

Tainted by a few

Written by 

TV news coverage of terrible bobby calf treatment by a callous minority of people reminds us of a harsh truth: the dairy industry has committed enemies.

These enemies will ruthlessly use such coverage to taint the entire industry – even those who play by the rules.

Animal rights activist Hans Kriek and SAFE were involved in the hidden camera operation that led to the story, so they knew when the TV coverage was coming and on the night the story ran were already bombarding social media with pre-prepared material saying the dairy industry abused animals – not a minority of farmers, the entire industry! Predictably next morning they spoon-fed journalists with the same messages.

That's how these groups play this game, making it all the more vital that the decent majority of dairy farmers do everything they can to weed out the indecent minority who give the knockers and haters the ammunition they seek to harm dairying.

More like this

Battle over live exports

Rather than banning live animal exports, New Zealand should raise the standards required of the industry.

Call to protect ban on live export

Animal rights group SAFE has launched a nationwide campaign designed to issue a call to the new government, asking them to preserve the ban on live animal export.

Two-faced?

Your canine crusader notes that Red Radio (RNZ), still smarting about the change of government, recently ran 'an in-depth investigation' about a potential lobbying campaign to persuade the Government to restart live animal exports that has been launched by key players in the agriculture industry.

Wishful thinking

Animal rights group SAFE For Animals is claiming that the days of winter grazing and colony cages should be numbered.

Featured

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

Celebrating success

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.

Biosecurity award for M. bovis work

A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.

Cyclone's devastating legacy

One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.

National

Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut…

Machinery & Products

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with…

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Plant-based bubble bursts

OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter