‘Tasmania Police will be pressing charges’: RSPCA says action will be taken over chainsaw sheep shearing

A man will front court after he allegedly used a chainsaw to shear a sheep, sparking outrage from the RSPCA after a video of the “cruel” act emerged.

A 58-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after he allegedly sheared a sheep with a chainsaw on a Woodbury property earlier this month.

A video of the act posted to social media sparked outrage with many slamming the behaviour as “cruel” and “barbaric”.

Tasmania Police said the York Plains man had been charged with Cruelty to Animals under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 and had been summoned to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later date.

A sheep being shorn with a chainsaw in Tasmania. Pic: supplied

Last week, RSPCA Tasmania told the Mercury there had been an “increasingly troubling trend” of videos or images depicting animal cruelty being shared through social media.

“We would like to remind the community that everyone has a responsibility to report any cruelty or inappropriate behaviour when they see it – and that it is imperative that reports are made as soon as an issue comes to light,” it said.

The RSPCA asked for members of the public to make reports via its animal cruelty hotline on 1300 139 497, emailing [e-mail] or via its website at www.rspcatas.org.au

Earlier Wednesday, April 20: CHARGES are expected to be laid against people who apparently used a chainsaw to shear a “clearly distressed lamb”.

Last week, a video circulated online seemingly showing a sheep being held down while another person used the chainsaw to shear the animal.

The video sparked outrage on social media, with some slamming the behaviour as “cruel” and “barbaric”.

At the time, RSPCA Tasmania said it had been informed of the incident and was investigating.

On Wednesday, the animal welfare organisation announced the matter was now with Tasmania Police.

“Tasmania Police has confirmed that it is investigating the appalling video circulating on social media depicting a chainsaw being used to shear a clearly distressed lamb,” the organisation said in a statement.

“Following a formal report made at the Oatlands Police Station, the people involved have been identified and Tasmania Police will be pressing charges. RSPCA inspectors are assisting in this investigation.”

RSPCA Tasmania said there had been an “increasingly troubling trend” of videos or images depicting animal cruelty being shared through social media.

A sheep being shorn with a chainsaw in Tasmania. Pic: supplied

“We would like to remind the community that everyone has a responsibility to report any cruelty or inappropriate behaviour when they see it – and that it is imperative that reports are made as soon as an issue comes to light,” it said.

“We need your help to identify people who do the wrong thing and to ensure they are held to account for their actions.”

The RSPCA asked for members of the public to make reports via its animal cruelty hotline on 1300 139 497, emailing [e-mail] or via its website at www.rspcatas.org.au

Last week, RSPCA Tasmania CEO Jan Davis said the animal in the video was likely a young lamb that had never been shorn before.

“The depths of stupidity of some people is just unbelievable,” she said.

Tasmania Police said it was continuing to investigate the case, which was reported to it on April 12.

“At this stage no charges have been laid, however it is anticipated police will lay charges for animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act,” a spokesperson said.

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