The absentee owner and person in charge of a small herd, pleaded guilty to charges which occurred between January 2024 and September 2024 at Mia Mia, near Heathcote.
The charges sit under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Livestock Disease Control Act and Livestock Disease Control Regulations.
Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare Compliance manager Daniel Bode said the farmer was sentenced without conviction and fined an aggregate of $7000 with an order to pay $454 in costs.
Agriculture Victoria officers responded to a complaint at a property in Mia Mia.
“Of a herd of 12 cattle, the majority were suffering from extremely low body condition,” Mr Bode said.
Agriculture Victoria officers also found a cow with her leg caught in a wire fence. It had been recumbent for at least 48 hours and was euthanised to prevent further pain and suffering.
Through further investigation it was found there were National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) breaches.
These breaches involved a failure to sign or provide National Vendor Declarations, moving livestock not appropriately identified by way of an NLIS device, failing to apply for a property identification code, and failing to provide information about the movement of livestock.
Mr Bode said the NLIS is Australia’s system for identifying and tracking livestock for disease control, food safety and market access purposes.
“An effective traceability system is critical to protecting Victoria from biosecurity risks and ensuring access to international markets,” he said.
For more information on NLIS, including training on how to use the system, visit the National Livestock Identification System website.
Anyone wanting to make a complaint in regard to livestock welfare or traceability breaches can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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