Disgraced former “Today” show host Matt Lauer is accused by animal rights activists of abuse at his sheep farm, which he operates from an upscale retreat in New Zealand, the Post reports. .
Lauer He bought 16,000 acres of land in the South Island for more than $9 million in 2017, just months before he was kicked off his morning show over several women. accused him of sexual harassment and rape.
He leases some of his land to shepherds in a country that is a major player in the global wool trade. Lauer is not involved in the operation of the farm, called Hunter Valley Farming.
An undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in Asia-Pacific's wool industry reveals sheep at Hunter Valley Farming were beaten during the shearing process and required stitches, according to a gruesome video shared by animal rights groups. It is claimed that it appears to have happened. post.
PETA president Ingrid Newkirk told the Post: “Matt Lauer's escape in New Zealand is hell for a frightened sheep who is being jumped around, pinned down and chopped up.”
“PETA wants Mr. Lauer to clean up his bloody wool business.”
Lauer was not charged and denied all charges that led to his firing from NBC, but he reportedly sold his $44 million home in the Hamptons in 2022, in part to spend more time at home in New Zealand. are.
His property, known as Hunter Valley Station, is about two hours north of Queenstown and includes a “five-bedroom lakeside homestead” with stunning views of the Southern Alps. Sotheby's listing.
A spokesperson for Mr. Lauer said that Mr. Lauer had “no knowledge of any alleged problems on his property” until the Post reached out for comment.
“(Lauer) was extremely upset and saddened to hear of what allegedly happened and immediately launched his own investigation into the operations of his tenant, which is currently underway,” a representative told the Post. He added that PETA had never contacted Lauer about the complaint.
“Once all the facts are known, he will take appropriate action immediately.”
New Zealand has more sheep than people and is the world's third largest wool producer. It produces so-called ZQ-certified wool and is promoted as “the world's leading ethical wool brand.”
PETA says major consumer brands such as Allbirds, Smartwood and Loro Piana use ZQ-certified merino wool.
PETA admitted it did not contact Lauer about the alleged abuse at the farm.
“When we notify companies and individuals involved in investigations, their typical response is to deny, deflect, and downplay the atrocities uncovered,” a PETA spokesperson told the Post.
“Publicizing an undercover investigation before notifying officials like Mr. Lauer makes it impossible to hold them accountable and ignore the atrocities they have the power to stop.”
Digby Cochrane and his wife Hannah have been running Hunter Valley Farming for decades. The family said Lauer contacted them over the past week to discuss PETA's allegations.
“When shearing sheep, we employ independent shearing contractors to shear the sheep and they work in accordance with New Zealand industry accepted guidelines and practices.” the Cochrans said in a statement to the Post.
Lauer's paradise also includes hiking trails, a rustic rental lodge, an Angus cattle ranch, and is the only thoroughfare to Hawea Conservation Park on Lake Hawea, home to salmon and trout.
The $9.2 million lease agreement for Lauer to acquire the property requires him to invest $1.2 million over five years in infrastructure for the farm's operations and to secure edible land for future cattle increases. An additional $400,000 was required to be invested in clearing and fertilizing the land.
Hunter Valley was one of 11 farms investigated by PETA investigators over the past year, securing video footage and part of a 48-page notarized affidavit shared with the Post. I took detailed notes.
“The horrific abuses recorded in the Hunter Valley are typical of the wool business as a whole,” Jack Sadashige, PETA's corporate responsibility manager, told the Post.
PETA's report on farming in the Hunter Valley included a description of a sheep whose wool was allegedly cut after a struggle with a handler during shearing. In another incident, an animal was allegedly lifted off the ground, dropped onto a hard floor, and stuck in a chute leading to a cage.
“Sheep are routinely beaten without painkillers, punched in the face and stitched up with needles and threads.”
