The New Zealand Merino Company (NZMC) and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) are still investigating allegations of the mistreatment of sheep connected to shearing practices.

MPI’s director of compliance and response Glen Burrell said the first phase of the investigation was completed and work was ongoing.

In a media statement dated January 17 (and confirmed as still current last week) he said MPI has analysed 235 video files.

“We continue to speak to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), industry groups and farm owners, and have also made proactive visits to farms.

“We have identified some instances in the video footage which are very concerning, and these are our focus in the next phase of the investigation.”

Glen said the most concerning incidents are concentrated among eight individuals, although it’s possible a wider set of individuals may come to MPI’s attention as the investigation continues.

“There are a range of actions we can take in response, to ensure the protection of animals and to hold those who mistreat animals to account. For serious offending, it could include prosecution and disqualifying individuals from working with animals.”

MPI were unable to comment further as the investigation is continuing. 

NZMC chief customer officer Dave Maslen said they [NZMC] do not have access to all the footage supplied to MPI and cannot comment on its investigation. 

“We have identified two ZQ farms in the footage released publicly, along with several farms that do not supply ZQ. It is important to note that the one property PETA has chosen to name is not, and never has been, a ZQ supplier.  

“The two ZQ properties identified have been suspended from ZQ pending the outcomes of an investigation by ZQ’s third-party auditors.”

NZMC and MPI cannot provide the names of these properties, nor any third parties (such as shearing sub-contractors) involved due to the Privacy Act 2020 and not to prejudice the outcome of the ongoing MPI investigation. 

Dave said MPI has shared that it has received over 200 videos so he expects it may be some time before its investigation is complete. 

“PETA has been targeting wool in its press releases for some time, including many of our brand partners. This is the first time video footage and allegations of this scale have been directed at the New Zealand Wool industry.”

NZMC ethical wool certification ZQ started in 2007.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia Pacific has been investigating ZQ certified wool in New Zealand, and has uploaded video footage on it’s website of animal cruelty.

Merino sheep are a tough breed known for their wrinkly skin and finewool, and they are farmed on South Island high country land; able to withstand cold harsh winters and hot summers. 

Read more: PETA hopeful of criminal convictions in sheep abuse probe

Read more: Merino company says it will probe sheep cruelty claims

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