Man allegedly responsible for wildlife attacks fronts Wodonga Magistrates’ Court

A Myrtleford man who allegedly encouraged his attack dogs to tear into native wildlife has faced court.

Ashley O'Keefe allegedly let his dogs attack wildlife, including wombats.

A man allegedly let his attack dogs brutally butcher a variety of wildlife in the state’s northeast.

Ashley O’Keefe, 40, faced the Wodonga Magistrates’ Court on November 21 on 25 charges including eight cruelty and six aggravated cruelty charges.

It is alleged that Mr O’Keefe allowed and encouraged his four pet dogs to fatally injure wildlife over a period of nearly three years.

Some of the wildlife the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action alleges were injured in these attacks include the eastern grey kangaroos, wombats, sambar deer and a cat.

Mr O’Keefe is accused of committing 23 offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

Under that act, Mr O’Keefe faces penalties of up to $48,077 or 12 months’ jail for each animal cruelty charge, and up to $96,155 or two years in jail for each aggravated animal cruelty charge.

Magistrate David Faram adjourned the case for further mention on January 23, 2024.