The SPCA is working with a Western Bay of Plenty farmer following reports of starving cows in Omanawa.

Omanawa resident Brenda Crook contacted SunLive with concerns for a field of 16 cows that seem to be 'severely underfed”.

A Facebook post located on a local community page has grown to nearly 60 comments, showing the surrounding neighbours concern for the animals.

One user describes the situation as 'disgusting”.

Brenda says she has been feeding the cows with her own hay and silage because of the situation.

'To my horror, I went down there this week and he (presumably the farmer) had taken all of the silage out of the paddock and thrown it on the road.

'That showed to me that he doesn't want anyone to help. He would rather watch his stock die.”

The SPCA says they are aware of the situation.

'SPCA is aware of public concern regarding the welfare of livestock on a rural property,” says a SPCA spokesperson.

'Following receipt of a complaint, inspectors accompanied by a veterinarian, have visited the property and implemented some immediate remedial actions, the investigation is ongoing.

'SPCA is continuing to work closely with both the owner and veterinarian to address the health and welfare concerns of the animals on the property.”

Brenda says she wants to highlight the situation because she drives past the cows every day and sees 'how awful the look”.

Photo: Brenda Crook.

'People are really distraught about the situation.”
Brenda feels the SPCA is not acting with any urgency over the situation.

She says they have told her the process is long.

'They can't enforce a feed plan and only once delivered, they monitor the cows.

"When a cow is weak they sit down, and often can't get up again.

'I've lived up the road for nearly six years and I see this happen every year.”

Community members say they have approached the owner offering assistance multiple times, with no result.

SunLive has made attempts to contact the farmer, but have not been successful at this stage.