The Ministry for Primary Industries is defending claims it's failed to enforce animal welfare

In November 2019, MPI chose to not prosecute a farm where a power outage had suffocated and killed 180-thousand chickens.

Animal advocate SAFE asserts not following through with the prosecution demonstrates a complete lack of regard for the animals.

They say MPI should be stripped of its welfare responsibilities.

But the Ministry says the person in charge of the chickens has since taken steps to maintain the equipment ... which provided a defence to any charges under the Animal Welfare Act.