Northern Territory Police have issued a Notice to Appear to a 55-year-old woman in relation to an offence committed under the Animal Protection Act 2018.

On 13 March 2023, 71 cattle were found deceased or dying at a Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade research facility 20km south of Alice Springs.

Initial reports indicated the cattle may have been poisoned, however a 12-month internal investigation by the Department confirmed the cause of death was dehydration due to prolonged water deprivation.

In March 2024, the matter was referred to the Northern Territory Police to investigate potential offences committed under the Animal Protection Act 2018 in relation to the death of the cattle. Under the operation name Bedstraw, investigators found that the cattle did not have access to drinking water for the period of 3 March 2023 – 13 March 2023, and were not checked upon during this 10-day period.

As a result of Operation Bedstraw, a 55-year-old woman, who was an employee at the research facility at the time of the cattle death, was charged with Minimum Level of Care – Section 23, under the Animal Protection Act 2018.

She was issued a Notice to Appear in Alice Springs Local Court on 3 December 2024.

Anyone with knowledge of the mistreatment of animals can make an online report via https://nt.gov.au/environment/animals/report-animal-cruelty-or-neglect or call 1300 720 386. You can also contact police on 131 444.