National MP Barbara Kuriger's son and husband have been charged with animal cruelty.

Tony Kuriger, Louis Kuriger, their company Oxbow Dairies and a third director - Lloyd Harris - are facing a range of charges under the Animal Welfare Act, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

"MPI began investigating allegations of animal welfare offences related to operations at Oxbow Dairies in late 2016," an MPI spokesperson said on Thursday.

"A range of charges under the Animal Welfare Act were laid last month."

Kuriger, who does not face any charges, says animal welfare is one of her families strongest values, and they'll be defending charges against them.

The Taranaki-King Country MP's gave a short statement to media this afternoon but wouldn't answer questions.

"I can confirm that I have kept National Party leadership
fully informed throughout the investigation, and I will make further comment once the matter has been dealt with. So have a good evening, thank you."

The accused trio are scheduled to return to the Palmerston North District Court on 5th of April at 10am.

Fairfax reports they are each facing 11 charges for cruelty towards animals.

Kuriger's family are award winning farmers - she herself was Diary Woman of the Year in 2012.

- with content from NZ Newswire