A sheep farmer from Corack near Donald has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty for failing to appropriately care for his sheep.
The farmer pleaded guilty to two charges at the St Arnaud Magistrates Court of failing to provide sufficient feed, three charges of aggravated cruelty, and a charge for failure to comply with notices under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
The farmer was convicted and fined $5000 and a Conditional Control Order imposed which would allow an authorised Agriculture Victoria inspector to monitor compliance with the Act.
Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said the farmer had received a warning letter from Agriculture Victoria with respect to basic husbandry requirements for his sheep a few months prior to the offences.
The magistrate accepted the fact the farmer had taken his eye off the ball due to a difficult period, however, the consequences caused cruelty to animals.
Mr Bode said all farmers have a responsibility to maintain Victoria’s reputation in farming practices and the livestock industry.
“Throughout the period of offending, these sheep continued to suffer and were not provided with appropriate food or treatment, leaving no alternative for Agriculture Victoria officers but to euthanize several sheep that were severely unwell,” Mr Bode said.
