A New Zealand company running a dairy farm in Chile is under fire there for allegedly disposing of male calves in an inhumane manner.
Graphic photos of pits filled with hundreds of decaying bobby calves have been posted online under the headline 'Horror of Horrors' and allegations made that some were buried alive.
Director of the Manuka dairy company Mark Townshend says the company has strict protocols for destroying unwanted bobby calves and is investigating the allegations.
He says in Chile the company would expect to apply exactly the same standards as in New Zealand whether it be effluent management or animal health.
Green Party animal welfare spokesperson Mojo Mathers says if the reports of animal abuse are true it is not a good look for New Zealand.
She says New Zealand's reputation as a food exporter relies heavily on its reputation for high animal welfare standards.
She says it is therefore important to maintain those standards at home and abroad.
