Bikinis in cowshed
OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content posted on social media and adult entertainment subscription site OnlyFans.
The Ministry for Primary Industries and volunteer groups have come together to protect animal welfare in the Tasman District fires response.
Through MPI, SPCA National Rescue Unit, Massey University, HUHANZ and others have held a significant field presence throughout the response.
Yesterday, MPI reached 700 animals at the Richmond Showgrounds in the care of MPI, SPCA, HUHANZ and other volunteers.
MPI is working through animal welfare jobs for itself and volunteers. As at 3pm yesterday afternoon, 400 animal welfare jobs have been logged that are being followed up on and worked through.
MPI says its 0800 number has so far received around 130 calls, all of which have been followed up and had a call back where needed. MPI is addressing the highest priority calls first, and then following up with people as possible.
MPI aims to phone every property owner in the area but is currently prioritising known animal welfare concerns, or the areas where they have not yet been able to check behind the cordon.
You can log any concerns about animals in the Tasman District fires 0800 008 333 – option 4.
Information and support
- MPI is providing regular updates about the animal welfare response to the Tasman Fires on its website, here: www.mpi.govt.nz/tasman-fires
- Federated Farmers has opened its Feedline to support farmers who have been affected by the fires and need extra feed or grazing for their animals. Farmers who are short of feed, or who have feed to donate, can contact Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646.
- The Rural Support Trust is also available to support farmers, growers and others in the rural sector. They provide free and confidential support, advice and referrals, including with health, finances and more. RST can be contacted on 0800 787 254.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.