Animal cruelty Victoria: Livestock cases, penalties and number of complaints
The largest fines handed down were $70,000 and $90,000 to two livestock farming brothers. We look at the last three years of animal cruelty cases and complaints in agriculture.
Animal cruelty complaints to Agriculture Victoria have plummeted, but the total value of fines given to offenders annually has significantly increased in the past year.
In the 2020-21 financial year, the department received 951 complaints, compared to 1163 the year before and 1761 the year before that.
Over the three years, $242,500 worth of fines were issued and $3500 worth of donations ordered – as well as three good behaviour bonds, a diversion, a 200 hour community corrections order, and two conditional orders and three disqualification orders (such as a ban from owning or being in charge of farm animals).
The largest fines – $70,000 and $90,000 – were handed down last month in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court to two livestock farming brothers from Balmattum, near Euroa.
Animal cruelty cases in court (offences didn’t necessarily happen in the same year):
2020-21: 11 matters finalised in court; six convictions or findings of guilt; $210,000 worth of fines issued; a $2500 donation ordered.
2019-20: Six matters finalised in court; four convictions or findings of guilt; $27,500 worth of fines issued; a $1000 donation ordered.
2018-19: Two matters finalised in court; two convictions or findings of guilt; a $5000 fine issued.
Agriculture Victoria said not all complaints are substantiated and for most substantiated cases prosecution was not required.
“Agriculture Victoria assesses each animal cruelty investigation for the most appropriate regulatory outcome, ranging from voluntary compliance and education to warning and infringement notices and finally prosecutions for serious matters,” a spokeswoman said.
“In most cases, early intervention and other prevention methods mitigate the animal welfare issue, so prosecution is not required.”
The department issued 1023 advisory letters, 92 warning letters, four official warning letters and two infringements over the last three years.
Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint about livestock welfare can call Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
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