There have been 2 recent court cases where transporters of bobby calves have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty relating to rough handling of calves during unloading at abattoirs.
Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare Compliance Daniel Bode said transporters have a responsibility to ensure calves are fit for the journey ahead, protected from cold and heat and are handled appropriately during loading and unloading.
'Calves should always be handled with great care and the use of dogs or electric prodders on bobby calves is prohibited by law. Calves must also not be kicked, beaten, pulled, thrown or dumped or prodded with any sharp instrument.
'These responsibilities and others are described in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards - Land Transport of Livestock. Under the Livestock Management Act (2010), anyone involved in the livestock transport process must comply with these standards,' he said.
Mr Bode said in 2 recent separate cases bobby calf transporters have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges relating to the mishandling of calves during unloading, each receiving fines with convictions.
Brenden Stammers, a truck driver from Athlone, pleaded guilty to 3 charges of animal cruelty imposed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court, receiving a fine of $2,000 with conviction.
An order for costs was made of $733.
In the second case, Christy Vlahos, a purchaser and transporter of bobby calves, pleaded guilty to 4 charges of animal cruelty at Melbourne Magistrates' Court, receiving a fine of $3,750 with conviction.
An order for costs was made in the amount of $536.28.
Mr Bode said if you handle or transport bobby calves you have a legal duty of care for their welfare.
'Appropriate management, transportation, handling and marketing of bobby calves needs to be a priority for everyone in the dairy industry.
'Farm animal welfare is an increasingly significant issue in Australia and overseas, and the bobby calf trade in particular is a sensitive subject.
'In order to maintain this industry all producers, buyers, transporters and abattoir workers must meet the agreed industry standards for bobby calf welfare,' Mr Bode said.
'The vehicle or trailer being used to transport bobby calves must be clean and have an enclosed front and a non-slip floor.
'Space allowance should be minimised to avoid injury to calves in transit, however they should never be overcrowded.
'Selling calves that are immature, weak or sick is cruel and can result in premature death and may lead to prosecution,' Mr Bode said.
The Dairy Australia website has plenty of resources: search for 'bobby' to see what is available.
