The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is being urged to do more to prevent farm animals suffering from heat stress.  Vets and animal advocates say there isn’t adequate shelter on farms, and there’s an increasing tendency to rear herds that are prone to over-heating. Vet and former head of Animal Welfare for MPI John Hellstrom  thinks the problem is getting worse and desperately needs some action.

But, he says compliance is the excaserbating factor. There is no requirement for farmers to provide shade or shelter, it’s just a recommendation.   John Hellstrom speaks with Kathryn Ryan along with Angus Robson, an animal activist who is calling on MPI to be stricter on farmers whose animals suffer from heat stress.