Two farms have been suspended from New Zealand Merino’s ZQ quality standard supply programme after undercover videos appeared to show animal welfare breaches.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claimed that a recent investigation uncovered cruelty towards sheep on these farms - forcing MPI to take action.

The Country's Jamie Mackay says people reportedly stood on sheep's necks, dragged them across the floors of shearing sheds and sewed up wounds without painkillers.

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