Goulburn Valley dairy farmer fined $40,000 without conviction for animal cruelty

Dead and sick calves, scouring and without water, were found on a northern Victorian farm. And a court has handed down its penalty to the farmer responsible. Picture: File

A northern Victorian farmer has been fined $40,000 without conviction for animal cruelty to his dairy herd near Invergordon.

He pleaded guilty to four charges of aggravated cruelty and four charges of cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court this month - for offending during two separate periods in 2017 and 2018.

Agriculture Victoria said despite a number of notices to comply being issued to the farmer, officers observed a number of calves deceased and those remaining were found in poor condition, scouring and without water.

“Throughout the period of offending, cows and calves continued to suffer and were not being provided with appropriate food, water or treatment,” Agriculture Victoria animal health and welfare compliance manager Daniel Bode said.

The department had visited the property in 2017 but found there was no change to practices and the farmer committed further offences the following year.

Mr Bode said apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise the industry’s reputation and affect all producers.

“This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the

Victorian Government or the community,” Mr Bode said.

The farmer was also placed on a two-year court order, which will be monitored for compliance, to ensure the cattle are properly fed and watered, that conditions are hygienic and animals are treated by a vet if needed.

You can make specific complaints about livestock welfare to Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or [e-mail]

MORE

REOFFENDING DAIRY FARMER CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY

SHEEP FARMER CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY