- State Government responds to serious animal welfare issue in the Kimberley
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has responded to a serious animal welfare issue on a pastoral station in the State's north, following a report of cattle deaths.
The department conducted aerial and on-ground inspections of the property over two days on December 26 and 27, and confirmed a significant number of cattle had died.
A number of water points on the property were found to be inaccessible or not operational and required urgent repairs. Approximately 85 cattle were humanely destroyed.
The department has worked in co-operation with the station management to ensure the immediate welfare of remaining cattle as the utmost priority.
Direction Notices have been issued under the Animal Welfare Act requiring that all cattle must have access to proper and sufficient water.
The station is undertaking the urgent repair and replacement of infrastructure at a number of key water points. Recent rainfall has helped alleviate immediate concerns.
A local contractor has been engaged by the pastoral lessee to conduct daily aerial inspections to monitor the ongoing health and welfare of cattle on the property.
The department will continue to monitor and assess the situation, and the department's Livestock Compliance Unit is investigating the matter.
As noted by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The department's team showed great dedication working over the Christmas period to respond to this very serious animal welfare issue in a timely manner.
"All pastoral properties need to be vigilant in ensuring cattle have access to feed and water, especially given the hot conditions and lack of surface water in the north this season."
