Animal cruelty: Wangaratta cattle farmer to pay $1500 and put on good behaviour bond

A Victorian farmer has faced court after cattle were found with advanced eye cancers, a ruptured eye and ingrown horns. Here’s what happened.

A cattle farmer has plead guilty to three animal cruelty charges (not pictured). Picture: Zoe Phillips / File

A WANGARATTA cattle farmer has been given a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction and ordered to pay $1500 to the court, after pleading guilty to animal cruelty.

Agriculture Victoria said inspections by animal welfare staff found four cattle with advanced eye cancers, a weaner calf with a ruptured eye and a sixth animal with horns ingrown into each side of its head.

The 77-year-old man was charged with three charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, including aggravated cruelty, failure to report a non-exotic disease to an inspector within seven days after becoming aware of it and failure to provide veterinary or other appropriate treatment for multiple animals.

Agriculture Victoria animal health and welfare compliance manager Daniel Bode said as part of the 12-month undertaking to be of good behaviour — also referred to as a good behaviour bond — that was handed down in Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the farmer has been ordered to ensure he seeks veterinary assistance for his stock at an early stage.

“This case is a good reminder to all farmers that they have a legal requirement to act earlier when their animals require veterinary treatment or other appropriate treatment,” he said.

Mr Bode said complaints should be directed to the animal health officer at your local Agriculture Victoria office.

The public can also call Agriculture Victoria’s customer service centre on 136 186 or email [e-mail].

MORE

GOAT FARMER FINED 10K, BANNED FROM OWNING ANIMALS

WOMAN CHARGED OVER POISONING OF WEDGE-TAILED EAGLES