Production

Wangaratta farmer pleads guilty to cattle cruelty

Beef Central, 22/01/2021

A Wangaratta cattle farmer who pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges has been given a 12 month undertaking to be of good behaviour without conviction and ordered to pay the court $1500.

Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said inspections by animal welfare staff found six cattle on his property, four of which had advanced eye cancers, a weaner calf with a ruptured eye and a sixth animal with horns ingrown into each side of its head.

The man was charged with a number of charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Act, including aggravated cruelty, failure to report a non-exotic disease to an inspector within seven days after becoming aware of it and failure to provide veterinary or other appropriate treatment for multiple animals.

The Magistrate said the offences were serious matters.

However, he took into consideration the man’s age, that he had been farming for a long time and this was his first offence.

Mr Bode said as part of the undertaking the man has been ordered to ensure he seeks veterinary assistance for his stock at an early stage.

“This case is a good reminder to all farmers that they have a legal requirement to act earlier when their animals require veterinary treatment or other appropriate treatment.

Mr Bode said complaints should be directed to the Animal Health Officer at an Agriculture Victoria office. The public can also call our Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or email aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Source: Agriculture Victoria

Leave a Reply to Paul Franks Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your comment will not appear until it has been moderated.
Contributions that contravene our Comments Policy will not be published.

Comments

  1. Paul Franks, 24/01/2021

    Has his PIC been kicked out of LPA for such a huge breach of the LPA guidelines?

Get Beef Central's news headlines emailed to you -
FREE!