Western District farmer charged with animal cruelty offences

A Colac district farmer, who is also a livestock agent, has been charged with multiple animal cruelty offences. See the details.

Agriculture Victoria has laid a number of animal cruelty charges against a Western District farmer near Colac. Nearby residents contacted The Weekly Times with reports of allegedly malnourished and deceased cattle at the accused’s farm property last year. Picture: Supplied

A Western District farmer is set to face multiple animal cruelty charges following an extensive investigation by Agriculture Victoria.

An Agriculture Victoria spokesman confirmed to The Weekly Times it has charged a 32-year-old Colac-district farmer with a number of animal cruelty-related charges earlier this year.

“Agriculture Victoria can confirm that a number of charges were issued … pursuant to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act back in August 2024 and the matter is now listed before the Colac Magistrate Court,” an Agriculture Victoria spokesman said.

“As the matter is now before the court we will not be making any further comment at this time.”

The Weekly Times asked prosecuting agency, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action what and how many charges had been laid against the accused man.

This information was not provided.

The accused farmer is scheduled to appear in the Colac Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 28, for a mention hearing.

The accused farmer, who is also a livestock agent and well-known local sporting identity, farms across more than 1000ha at Nalangil, located about 15km west of Colac.

Nearby residents have contacted The Weekly Times with reports of allegedly malnourished and deceased cattle at the farm property, which date back more than 12 months.

The Weekly Times contacted Agriculture Victoria in August last year, following animal welfare concerns at the same property, who said they were aware of reports of animal cruelty at a farm east of Lake Corangamite.

“We respond to all allegations received,” they said at the time.

“Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint can contact Agriculture Victoria.”

The Weekly Times understands the accused man’s four farms, totalling 1076ha in the Nalangil district, have also been recently listed for sale.

The properties include the 344ha Alvie at 1616 Corangamite-Lake Rd, Dreeite South, 286ha Home at 665 Nalangil Rd, Corunnun, Roaches at 275 Nalangil Rd, Nalangil and Mamre at 65 Nalangil Rd, Nalangil.

Mamre, Roaches and Home are considered dairy and grazing properties, while Alvie is a grazing and fodder farm.

The accused man is also expected to appear at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court in November for a one-day hearing in an unrelated case, to fight alleged offences including criminal damage, unlicensed driving and driving in a dangerous manner.

Victoria Police allege the accused drove a vehicle over two sporting ovals and damaged fencing on April 17 this year.