Agriculture Victoria seizes sheep and cattle from three properties

Sheep and cattle have been seized from properties in the Central Highlands, Mallee and Goulburn Valley regions due to owners allegedly not taking proper care of their animals.

Cattle has been seized from two Victorian properties due to owners allegedly not providing sufficient feed. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Agriculture Victoria has seized more than 500 animals from three properties since December across the state due to owners allegedly not ensuring their health and welfare.

Agriculture Victoria program manager of livestock and welfare compliance Veronica Campbell said in December 55 sheep were seized from a Broomfield property due to an alleged repeated failure to shear the animals for a number of years.

“‘In January 2025, 52 cattle were seized from a property in Murrayville due to a failure to provide proper and sufficient feed to the cattle, resulting in a large number dying across the property,” she said.

“In February 2025, 441 cattle were seized from a Balmattum property due to an ongoing failure to provide proper and sufficient feed to the cattle.

“Due to their serious nature, the matters relating to the recently seized livestock are not finalised and therefore further detail or comment cannot be provided.”

Sheep have been seized from a Broomfield property after the owner allegedly neglected to shear them for a number of years. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Agriculture Victoria issued a reminder that owners or persons in charge of livestock have a responsibility for ensuring the health and welfare needs of their livestock and animals are met.

Ms Campbell said health and welfare included providing animals with proper and sufficient food, ensuring sick or injured animals are provided with appropriate attention or treatment and basic husbandry practices such as shearing are carried out.

“In serious cases where the animals are at risk of distress and disablement; and the owner or

person in charge has failed to comply with directives, Agriculture Victoria can undertake a seizure of the affected animals, removing them permanently from the owner or person in charge,” she said.

“While we know the majority of farmers are doing the right thing, livestock producers who don’t take appropriate action to prevent and address animal welfare issues can face regulatory action, including prosecution for offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.”