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An Auckland man has been fined $9,800 after a racing thoroughbred mare and two cattle on his properties were found suffering from severe neglect.
Kevin Maurice Dell, 70, was sentenced on December 5 on three charges under the Animal Welfare Act, following a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) prosecution. He pleaded guilty to all charges.
Dell has also been banned for two years from owning or being in charge of more than two horses and 10 cows.
MPI Auckland district manager for animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Cody Taylor, says Dell failed to provide even basic care.
“Mr Dell was responsible for the care and wellbeing of these animals – a young heifer, a bull calf and a thoroughbred horse. He failed to provide for their physical needs or timely veterinary care to manage disease and illness,” Taylor says.
The most serious case involved a nine-year-old racing thoroughbred mare. The Racing Integrity Board alerted MPI, and when an inspector arrived, the mare was found in extremely poor body condition with both hind legs bandaged and a severe necrotic wound. The animal had to be euthanised to end its suffering.
On Dell’s two lifestyle properties, an MPI inspector also found a dehydrated young heifer lying on its side against a fence with no access to water. A crossbreed bull calf was discovered suffering from an untreated infection following castration. Both were euthanised.
“This racing thoroughbred mare was seriously injured and suffering from a lack of veterinarian care which Mr Dell failed to provide. When we find evidence of serious neglect, we take action,” Taylor says.
MPI is asking the public to report any concerns about animal cruelty to its welfare complaints line on 0800 008 333.
