Fined and Ordered Community Service for Animal Abuse Charges
Sheep with Vision Loss and Disorientation Euthanized
A New Zealand farmer was found guilty of animal cruelty after neglecting a ram whose twisted horns eventually pierced its face.
According to local media including 1 News on the 6th (local time), the ram was discovered at a farm in the Waikato region south of New Zealand's capital. In February last year, the New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) launched an investigation into the farm following a report. An SPCA spokesperson described the ram's condition when investigators visited the site as "the horns had grown abnormally, digging into the area above the eyes, with one side piercing through the eye socket, which was particularly horrific." They also added, "The ram, with impaired vision, kept shaking its head without any sense of direction, and flies were swarming around the wounds."
In response, Robin Kidd, acting president of the SPCA, expressed outrage, saying, "The wounds must have caused immense pain over a long period, so I was shocked that the owner did not take prompt action," and added, "This is neglecting an animal, which is unacceptable." To end the ram's suffering quickly, the SPCA immediately called a veterinarian to the farm and euthanized the animal.
At the trial held last week, the ram's owner admitted to failing to take necessary measures for the animal. However, he claimed, "Although I am the owner of the ram, I was working elsewhere and did not know that the horns were growing inward and piercing the skin."
His wife, however, gave a different statement. She said, "Since 2021, I have known that the ram had wounds because of its horns," and added, "I even called veterinarians to inquire about euthanizing or trimming the horns." She further defended herself by saying, "I have never cut the ram's horns, and I was too afraid to get close because I was worried the ram might attack me." Regarding these statements, two nearby animal hospitals said they have no records of receiving such calls.
Regarding the couple's claims, the SPCA rebutted, "There were clear signs that the ram was in tremendous pain, yet they ignored it, which is inexcusable under any circumstances."
Ultimately, the ram's owner was fined 443 New Zealand dollars (approximately 360,000 KRW), sentenced to 100 hours of community service, and had his livestock ownership rights revoked. His wife was also charged but was not found guilty; instead, she was ordered to pay compensation of about 104 New Zealand dollars (approximately 84,000 KRW).
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