Internatioanl Dairy Company Buys from Cruel Tassie Farmer

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In June this year, police and animal welfare officers raided a dairy farm in north-west Tasmania twice. Several animals were found to have died from suspected mistreatment or were in poor health.

The farmer, 27 year old Roderick Mitchell, is a serial offender and is already facing nearly 200 animal cruelty charges stretching over several years. In 2007 Mitchell was charged for allowing 50 cows to slowly starve to death; management causing pain and suffering; acting directly to cause pain; and disability and obstructing and intimidating animal welfare officers.

Mitchell is a milk supplier of dairy giant, Fonterra, which produces well known brands like Bega, Mainland and Western Star. In spite of Mitchell's appalling track record Fonterra has not stopped sourcing from his farm.

In response to the latest raids, Fonterra is finally reviewing its contract with Mitchell. Let's give them a push to make the right decision by letting them know we don't want cheese and butter from abused cows.

Please write to Fonterra:

James Molan, Fonterra Communications
James.Molan@fonterra.com

and ask them to terminate their contract with Roderick Mitchell immediately.

Here are some additional points you may like to include in your letter:

* Roderick Mitchell has an appalling track record. His farm has been raided several times over the last years, animals were found to have died from suspected mistreatment and dozens of animals have been seized. He faces about 200 animal cruelty charges.

* Roderick Mitchell disobeys, obstructs and intimidates inspection authorities. A clear sign that he is not willing to comply with legislation or standards.

* Despite charges and court cases, recent raids of Mitchell's farm show that conditions have not improved. He clearly does not care about his animals. I am very disappointed by Fonterra's inadequate response to this situation.

* Fonterra claims that it does not tolerate animal cruelty. But this continuing saga shows that Fonterra is failing to prevent cruelty to animals on farms that it sources from. A review of Fronterra's animal welfare standards and auditing systems is needed to prevent similar cruelty cases in the future.

Thank you again for your valuable contribution!

Sarah

Animals Australia Action Network
www.AnimalsAustralia.org/action