Art attack says dairy policy stinks

A sculpture of a New Zealand government minister crafted from cow manure has been sold for 3,080 New Zealand dollars (£1,504) in an internet auction.

The bust of New Zealand Environment Minister Nick Smith, sculpted as a protest by artist Sam Mahon, attracted 112 bids.

Mr Mahon said he made the sculpture to protest at what he considers is Mr Smith's too-soft stance on pollution created by dairy farms.

Mr Mahon gathered cow dung from an organic dairy farm, ground it in a coffee grinder, mixed it with a polymer resin and pressed it into a mould. He polished the sculpture with beeswax to create a finish that resembles bronze.