Tasmanian eel fisherman Bradley Robert Finlayson faces Hobart court on animal cruelty charges

High-profile Tasmanian commercial eel fisherman Bradley Robert Finlayson has faced a Hobart courtroom on multiple animal cruelty charges. See how he pleaded.

Commercial Eel Fisher Brad Finlayson of Tasmanian Eel Exporters harvests eels.

A high-profile Tasmanian eel fisherman and his company will face trial in May over allegations of causing pain and cruelty to animals.

Bradley Robert Finlayson and Tasmanian Eel Exporters have each been charged with cruelty to animals and using a method of management with a group of animals reasonably likely to result in unjustifiable pain or suffering.

On Thursday in the Hobart Magistrates Court, Mr Finlayson, 43, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Not guilty pleas were also entered on the company’s behalf by defence counsel.

Magistrate Reg Marron set down a two-day hearing for May 30 and 31, in which numerous witnesses will give evidence for both the prosecution and defence, including veterinarians and Inland Fisheries Service officers.

According to court documents seen by the Mercury, Mr Finlayson and his company allegedly committed the offences at Four Springs Lake, Seabourne, 30 minutes northwest of Launceston, between October 21 and November 4, 2022.

A new Tasmanian Eel aquaculture exporting business at Bagdad is trying to break into the multi billion Asian market. Pictured at the farm is Brad Finlayson feeding his Eels with a special feed made on site. PICS: MATT THOMPSON

The Mercury has previously reported that Mr Finlayson is the third-generation owner of the state’s last harvesters of short-finned native eels, with the company having been in operation for half a century.

In recent year, Mr Finlayson has fought a high-profile campaign for his company to be able to fish for eel within 500m of the Trevallyn Dam wall, after a safety exclusion zone was set up on the upstream side of the structure.