Peter Toohey: Springbank farmer fined, banned from livestock in animal cruelty case
A Victorian farmer has received a lifetime ban from being in charge of livestock – a first for a prosecution led by Agriculture Victoria. This is why. (Picture: File)
A Victorian farmer has been fined $25,000 and banned from owning or being in charge of livestock for life over animal cruelty offences.
Peter Toohey, from Springbank in central Victoria, pleaded guilty to two charges of animal cruelty and a charge of aggravated cruelty leading to the serious disablement of two cows in 2018.
On top of the fine and lifetime disqualification order, he was ordered to pay $149 in costs to Agriculture Victoria in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court last week.
Agriculture Victoria said Mr Toohey owned five cattle confined to yards on his property, which were observed in poor condition and without access to water or adequate food, which resulted in dehydration.
The department also said he failed to obtain veterinary care for two sick cows, and that the man had been subject to criminal proceedings previously for very similar offending, at which time he had a conditional Control Order imposed for a period of two years under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Agriculture Victoria compliance manager Daniel Bode said the importance of a lifetime disqualification order was significant and would ensure that animals were protected from further pain and suffering at the hand of the farmer.
“It sends a very clear message that those who continually commit offences against animals
should not have the privilege and opportunity to care for them in the future,” Mr Bode said.
“This is the first time a lifetime disqualification order has been imposed as a result of a prosecution led by Agriculture Victoria.”
The Weekly Timesrevealed last week animal cruelty complaints to Agriculture Victoria had plummeted, but the total value of fines given to offenders annually has significantly increased in the past year.
The largest fines in the last three years were $70,000 and $90,000 to two livestock farming brothers.
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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