A cattle farmer from Mooroopna North received a conviction and was fined $12500, after pleading guilty to two charges of aggravated cruelty, three cruelty charges, and two charges of failing to comply with notices under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Agriculture Victoria district veterinary officer Hannah Delahunty said the farmer had received a warning letter from Agriculture Victoria for a single similar offence occurring a few months earlier.
The magistrate said the inaction in response to the investigation was ‘‘extraordinary’’ and the farmer failed to meet his obligations, resulting in his animals suffering.
Dr Delahunty said all farmers had a responsibility to maintain Victoria’s reputation in farming practices and the livestock industry.
‘‘Throughout the period of offending, these cattle continued to suffer and were not provided with appropriate treatment, leaving no alternative for Agriculture Victoria officers but to euthanise several cattle that were severely injured,’’ Dr Delahunty said.
‘‘This case serves as a strong reminder that it is an offence for livestock owners to fail to provide for their livestock’s welfare.’’
The case was heard in Shepparton’s Magistrates Court.
