Ramon and Wilma Zeestraten in the Invercargill District Court this morning. They are facing several charges relating to neglect of animal welfare.

A Lochiel farming pair who appeared before Judge Kevin Phillips this morning on 24 various charges of animal neglect were issued a final remand without plea.

Mother and son Ramon and Wilma Zeestraten are accused that between January 1, 2010, and April 23 last year they failed to ensure the physical health and behavioural needs of 47 cows.

Lawyer Fiona Guy Kidd, at the Invercargill District Court, applied to withdraw as counsel, which was granted, and Judge Phillips released the pair on bail.

Pleas are expected to be entered on November 4.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry laid the charges after an investigation last year when concerns were raised by a member of the public about the condition of animals in the Zeestratens' herd.

The charges were laid against the Zeestratens and Southern Friesians and Zeestock Holdings.

The alleged charges include failure to ensure physical health and behavioural needs of the cows and wilful ill-treatment, which resulted in one cow suffering pain and stress so great it had to be destroyed.