FF Questions Vets Ethical & Professional Standards

Federated Farmers Questions MAF VA Vets Ethical And Professional Standards

Recent comments from National Union of Public Employees secretary Ivan Finlayson, who represents Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Verification Authority (VA) veterinarians, have angered Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre Chairman, Chris Lester.

"The Press reported yesterday that Finlayson commented that the vets covered by his union had "little sympathy" for farmers faced with management difficulties resulting from the orchestrated interruption to processing arrangements for stock," said Mr Lester.

"This typifies the lack of professionalism of this group. Any vet worth their salt knows better than this. What has happened to their ethical standards and their concerns for animal welfare?" asked Mr Lester.

"Today's livestock farming is extremely intensive. Complicated farming calendars, feed budgeting and animal husbandry are all imperative to successful farming systems."

"If working as a VA vet is so untenable they should invest their dollars in private practice and try living in the real world," concluded Mr Lester.

ENDS

For further information: Tony St. Clair (04) 473-7269 Chris Lester (026) 103-569

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