Colin Jordan sentenced over animal neglect offences at Thirlmere property

A man has learnt his fate after inspectors discovered two parasite-ridden goats confined in a tiny pen and covered in urine and faeces at a Macarthur property. Read what happened in court.

A man has learnt his fate after inspectors found two parasite-ridden goats in a tiny pen covered in urine and faeces and an extremely sick rooster that had to be euthanised.

Colin Jordan fronted Picton Local Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to two counts of being in charge of an animal and failing to provide vet treatment and failing to provide proper and sufficient shelter to animals.

According to documents tendered to the court, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals inspectors attended a property of the Tahmoor resident on November 11 after a complaint regarding flyblown sheep at that address.

The inspectors found a sheep tethered by both its hind legs with no shelter available and it panicked when approached.

The documents further state that the front area of the pen where the goats were housed was covered in a deep sludge of mud faces and urine that coated both goats’ legs up to their stomachs. The inspectors found the goats were in poor body condition with their hips, ribs and vertebrae easily visible.

The RSPCA said Jordan also failed to provide veterinary treatment for an emaciated rooster plagued by internal and external parasites, lethargy and an untreated wound on its body.

According to court documents, the rooster was in such a bad condition that it was cruel to keep it alive and had to be humanely euthanised.

Colin Jordan pictured outside Picton Court. Picture: Adelaide Lang

In court on Wednesday, Jordan’s lawyer said some of the animals had previously escaped which was why they were tied as he waited for some new fencing.

She said to provide some context but not as an excuse, Jordan had been struggling with some personal matters.

“He had neglected his own health around this time also … he doesn’t have any history in relation to these types of matters,” the lawyer told the court.

“I note he also surrendered the relevant animals voluntarily and immediately.

“The plea was entered at the earliest opportunity following some fruitful negotiations regarding charges and facts.”

Magistrate Mark Douglass acknowledged that Jordan had no matters like this on his record, and had entered a plea of guilty at the earliest stage.

“People often fall behind in relation to their care and control of animals leading to them being neglected,” he said.

“Some people think it is their right and continue to offend and never recognise the harm caused by these offences.”

Magistrate Douglass said it was “obvious” the animals were suffering, but noted Jordan did not gain financially from his actions.

He convicted Jordan, fined him $2550 and sentenced him to a 12-month community corrections order.