The officers also conducted body condition scores, hay quality tests and worm burden tests which confirmed mistreatment.<\/p>\n
Mr Schwarz was issued with notices to comply under the\u00a0Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986\u00a0and provided with information to help him find a shearer.<\/p>\n
Mr Schwarz\u2019s charges included aggravated cruelty of three sheep resulting in serious disablement or death; failing to provide appropriate treatment for four sheep suffering from flystrike and infection; and failing to provide proper and sufficient food to four individual sheep and to a mob of about 691 sheep.<\/p>\n
In imposing the fine, Magistrate Timothy Hoare said farmers could often foresee conditions and needed to \u2018deal with poor conditions when they come around and destock if necessary\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Agriculture Victoria compliance manager Daniel Bode said livestock owners have a moral and legal responsibility to care for animals under their control.<\/p>\n
\u201cVictorians have a reasonable expectation that livestock will be cared for by those in charge of them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSheep require specific treatment to remain healthy and to protect them from pain, injury and disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cShearing your sheep is critical to reduce the risk of dags forming, which can build up and accelerate the rate of flystrike.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint in regard to livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n