A local farm manager has denied allowing the mistreatment of nearly 200 dairy cows and failing to provide them with medical attention following damage to their tails.

The man who now works on a different farm, but remains within the Ashburton District, was granted interim name suppression when he appeared on four animal welfare charges in the Ashburton District Court on Monday.

The man pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with the Animal Welfare Act between June 2020 and January 2022.

If found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail or a $50,000 fine.

The Ministry for Primary Industries have charged the man for failing to ensure 137 dairy cows were handled in a way that minimised the likelihood of unreasonable pain or distress – and failed to ensure that cows with tail injuries were given adequate care and medical treatment

The other charges include failing to provide medical care for seven cows with broken or damaged tails. According to the charge sheet six of the cow’s tails had to be amputated, while one tail fell off.

He is also charged over a further 53 cows found with broken tails.

Lawyer Jennifer North asked Judge Campbell Savage to grant the man interim name suppression.

She said the man was working on a different farm in the district and his employer was aware of the charges. However, she argued there was a “real risk to the current farm’s reputation” if the man’s details were made public.

Judge Savage granted the man interim name suppression. He will appear again on January 12.

By Sharon Davis