Even as early as the 1870s New Zealand was noted for its cruelty to farm animals. Unfortunately, this horrible treatment continues to the present day, especially with the barbaric treatment of unwanted bobby calves.

Thankfully, Kiwi urban dwellers have had a more humane relationship with animals. In fact, some have been raised to celebrity status. As I wrote in a previous blog, Opo and Pelorus Jack were both idolized dolphins. A number of statues around the country serve the memory of working dogs that have helped move mobs of sheep across the untamed New Zealand landscape of the early 20^th century. Some early settlers understood the valuable contribution these dogs were doing and as a result, formed an emotional attachment to them. read more