A Gippsland sheep farmer has been fined following charges of animal cruelty at the Korumburra Magistrate's Court recently.
Julian Beasley was fined $2,500 as part of an aggregate sentence and ordered to pay $144.60 in statutory costs.
The charges stem from a 2024 investigation by Agriculture Victoria at a Berry's Creek farm, where authorised officers found a mob of sheep without sufficient feed or pasture.
One sheep from the mob was also observed carrying more than 250mm of wool indicating that it hadn't been shorn for over 2 years.
Subsequent visits to the farm indicated further welfare concerns which Mr Beasley failed to act on despite officers issuing 2 Notices to Comply under the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act 1986.
Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said livestock owners have a moral and legal responsibility to care for animals under their control.
'Victorians have a reasonable expectation that livestock will be cared for by those in charge of them.'
'Sheep require specific treatment to remain healthy and to protect them from pain, injury and disease.'
'Shearing your sheep is critical to reduce the risk of flystrike, impaired vision, and their wool getting stained ', Mr Bode said.
In imposing the fine, Magistrate Mr Starvaggi said despite Mr Beasley's unblemished record and poor health, the offences were extremely serious, and the sheep were enduring 'catastrophic circumstances.'
