Nathalia producer pleads guilty to animal cruelty

8 March 2023

A Nathalia dairy farmer has recently pleaded guilty to a number of animal cruelty charges and subsequently convicted and fined $10,000 in the Shepparton Magistrates Court.

Andrew Ford pleaded guilty to 13 charges of animal cruelty, including aggravated cruelty charges for nine individual cattle which resulted in serious disablement of the cattle in his care.

Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager, Daniel Bode, said in mid-2019, Agriculture Victoria officers attended Mr Ford’s property after receiving an animal welfare complaint from the public.

“The officers observed 19 individual cattle and a herd of 80 calves at the property that were severely underweight and suffered from significant worm burdens,” Mr Bode said.

“Individual cattle were found lying down unable to stand or were already deceased when inspected. There was little feed available to the stock and they were in an emaciated state.”

His Honour noted the facts have caused him and would cause the public significant distress.

He further stated the possibility of livestock suffering due to drought should always be at the forefront of every farmer’s mind and therefore regarded the imposition of a substantial fine as appropriate.

His Honour also stated these issues need to be put in the public space and the community needs to see that this matter warrants denunciation.

Mr Bode said the dedication and professionalism of the Agriculture Victoria officers and the outstanding investigative work undertaken by the officers were fundamental in ensuring a conclusive result.

“Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers and livestock owners.

“This is a reminder to all livestock owners that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.”

Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint in regard to livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Hetherington

Phone: 0409 405 639