A LAKE Charm farmer has been fined and found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty after dead sheep were found in a water trough at his property two years ago.
Agriculture Victoria animal health and welfare compliance manager Daniel Bode said authorised inspectors attended Mr Cook’s Lake Charm property in March 2022 after receiving a complaint.
“A large, circular, concrete water trough partially buried in the ground contained seven deceased sheep plus one which was alive,” Mr Bode said.
“All had exceptionally low body condition.
“The trough was designed for larger animals as sheep troughs have shallower sides to enable them to escape if they enter.
“The water had faeces and debris floating in it and the carcasses had started to break down.
“The trough was the only water source for the sheep.
“The sheep which was alive was unable to support its own weight and was euthanised by inspectors.
“A lamb with an injury to its limb, unable to walk, was also euthanised.”
Magistrate Dominic Lennon imposed an aggregate fine of $2000 on Mr Cook, along with a community corrections order with a conviction for 12 months, with a condition that he perform 100 hours of community service.
Costs were also awarded in the sum of $5288.33, while a control order was imposed for two years with conditions to provide proper and sufficient food, drink and water, to provide veterinary or other appropriate attention or treatment, and to provide monitoring.
Magistrate Lennon also re-sentenced Mr Cook for offences committed in 2021 which involved aggravated cruelty and failing to provide proper and sufficient drink, for which he originally received an adjourned undertaking with a condition to pay $5000.
In re-sentencing, the Court took into account that Mr Cook had paid the $5000, and he was re-sentenced to a fine of $500 with conviction.
Three years ago Cook pleaded guilty to two charges: one cruelty and one aggravated cruelty offence, after a water source pump failed, resulting in the death of 32 cattle during a six-day period of extreme heat.
Mr Bode said apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches could jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which could affect all producers.
“This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or the community,” he said.
Complaints regarding livestock welfare can be made to Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au
