South Auckland Lifestyle Farmer Banned From Owning Animals

A South Auckland lifestyle farmer has been banned from owning or being in charge of any cattle under the age of 12 months, after two of his animals had to be euthanised.

Smith (Sam) Salevao (28) was sentenced in Papakura District Court yesterday (7 August 2025) after pleading guilty to one charge under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The ban from owning or being in charge of young cattle is for two years.

“In May 2024, Animal Welfare Inspectors visited a lifestyle block and found 12 young calves in extremely thin condition, with no adequate food or shelter available. One calf had to be immediately euthanised by a veterinarian to prevent further suffering,” says MPI District Manager of Animal Welfare & NAIT Compliance, Cody Taylor.

“While we instructed Mr Salevao on how to provide the right care for the remaining calves, following a search warrant, we had to euthanise one other calf to end its suffering.”

All animal owners or people in charge of agricultural animals are responsible for ensuring they meet their animals’ physical, health and behavioural needs. This includes providing quality and sufficient food and water, adequate shelter, timely veterinary care and the opportunity to display normal patterns of animal behaviour.

“Throughout our investigation, we worked with Mr Salevao on how to improve the standard of care for his calves. Mr Salevao failed to provide the basics, so we took action and placed the matter before the court,” says Cody Taylor.

Animal welfare is everyone's responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.

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