Animal cruelty: Livestock transporter fined, convicted over sheep deaths

A livestock transporter, who left dead and live sheep piled on the ground after throwing them from an elevated height while unloading his truck, has been convicted and fined in court.

A man has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges when transporting sheep. Picture: File

A LIVESTOCK transporter has been convicted and fined $5000 after pleading guilty to two animal cruelty charges.

Sheep transported by the 51-year-old from Keith, South Australia, to an abattoir in western Victoria in May last year were unable to walk on arrival.

The man then threw sheep from the top of the unloading ramp and back of the truck, and they fell from an elevated height.

He left live and dead sheep piled on the ground and did not seek treatment for the sheep still alive.

The transporter pleaded guilty to two animal cruelty charges in Horsham Magistrates’ Court last week.

Agriculture Victoria submitted to the court that the transporter had a fundamental duty of care which he failed to exercise, resulting in further suffering to the already weakened animals.

Agriculture Victoria animal health and welfare compliance manager Daniel Bode said the mistreatment of animals during transportation would not be tolerated.

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“If you find livestock that are weak, ill or injured then they simply can’t travel,” he said.

“Any animals in distress must be handled humanely and never thrown or dropped during any stage of the transportation process.

“Seek assistance for any distressed animals the very first chance you get — and let the receiver know of any weak, ill or injured animals straight away.”

Animal health and welfare concerns can be reported to Agriculture Victoria on 136 186.