Hamilton farmer Neil McIntosh fined and convicted of animal cruelty

A cattle farmer near Hamilton has been convicted and fined after almost 90 cows died or were euthanised at his property.

A fifth-generation Western District farmer has been convicted and fined more than $50,000 after pleading guilty to 10 animal cruelty-related charges, following the deaths of nearly 90 cattle.

Tahara West cattle farmer Neil McIntosh was convicted of three animal cruelty charges and seven aggravated cruelty charges in the Hamilton Magistrates’ Court on September 14.

The court heard McIntosh was the owner and person in charge of about 580 head of cattle on a 220ha property located about 39km west of Hamilton.

Agriculture Victoria program manager animal health and welfare compliance Daniel Bode said departmental officers attended the property in late July 2021, responding to a

complaint received the day prior.

Mr Bode said officers attended McIntosh’s property a further five times during their investigations.

“During this time 65 animals were observed deceased and 23 required euthanasia,” Mr Bode said.

“The cattle were suffering from starvation and internal worm burdens.

“Multiple notices to comply were issued to provide proper and sufficient food and veterinary

treatment.

“The pasture on the property was insufficient, and the hay that was provided to the cattle was of extremely poor quality.

“There was also a lack of supervision as many animals became bogged near a creek.”

Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge fined McIntosh a total of $52,000 and said denunciation was at the front and centre of his punishment.

Mr Lethbridge also said if you had animals, no matter what your position, you had an obligation to deal humanely with them, and if you couldn’t, you had to do something about it.

Mr Bode said apart from the pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches

could jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which could in turn affect all producers.

“This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty won’t be tolerated by the Victorian government or our community.”

Last month a farmer near Ararat was also convicted and fined of animal cruelty after more than 130 sheep died on his property.

Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint regarding livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or [e-mail]