Due to a lack of prior criminal history, an early plea of guilty, plus the accused no longer involved in farming pigs and in the process of selling the property and stock, the magistrate imposed a $3000 fine without conviction, with $278.38 costs awarded.
Magistrate Alexandra Burt made a further order pursuant to section 12(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act disqualifying the man from being the owner or person in charge of pigs for a period of two years.
Magistrate Burt said that “but for the plea of guilty, I would have imposed a larger fine, in the order of $10,000“ and said she did not impose a conviction because the man had stopped working with pigs and it was his first time before the court.
Agriculture Victoria program manager animal health and welfare compliance Daniel Bode said the man owned and was in charge of about 80 pigs in May 2021.
The pigs were confined to the property, which had minimal or no feed available to them, and a large portion of them were in poor body condition.
None of the pigs on the property had access to adequate drinking water.
One pig was found with a broken leg that had not been provided any treatment, despite the issuing of Notices to Comply requiring the man to take specific action, including providing feed and drink.
The man pleaded guilty to four cruelty charges, one aggravated cruelty charge for the pig with the broken leg and one charge of failing to comply with a Notice issued by Departmental Officers pursuant to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
To make a complaint in regard to the welfare of commercial livestock on Victorian farms contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email: aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au