A deer farmer in central Hawke's Bay has been ordered to pay more than $20,000 in fines and costs after being convicted of failing to maintain the welfare needs of his deer.
He is also banned from farming animals for at least 10 years.
MAF investigators visited the farm in 2007 after complaints about starving animals. Deer and cattle were found in poor condition with a lack of feed.
Further visits revealed dead deer.
The ministry euthanased more than 90 deer after the farmer failed to comply with instructions to supply feed to his animals and de-stock the property.
The farmer's name was suppressed.
