Farmers say employment laws are an obstacle to them sacking workers for mistreating animals.
Federated Farmers surveyed its members after a spate of prosecutions for animal cruelty on farms, including farm workers charged with breaking the tails of dairy cows.
About 20% of the 700 farmers who responded revealed they have had to dismiss an employee for animal welfare abuse.
Most of those said they paid out the person because it was easier and less expensive than taking them to court
Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Katie Milne said the federation will looking to see if there's a way of simplifying the dismissal process for animal welfare breaches.
