West Wimmera farmer gets $10,000 with conviction for cruelty to livestock

11 September 2024

A west Wimmera farmer recently pleaded guilty in the Horsham Magistrates Court and was fined $10,000 with conviction.

In July 2022, in response to a complaint Agriculture Victoria officers visited a property at Patyah, near Edenhope in the Wimmera, and were faced with over 100 deceased sheep which had died within the last 1-2 weeks.

The farmer, Norbert Wende, was the owner and manager of 440 sheep which were split into 2 mobs on a property in Patyah.

The pasture was short and there was no supplementary feed. The sheep were in an emaciated condition, suffering from parasitic burdens and bottle jaw.

The Magistrate considered the plea of guilty, the absence of a criminal history, and Mr Wende’s co-operation with Agriculture Victoria officers, plus the taking of remedial action and there having been no further offending since 2022.

The Magistrate also commented this was a serious case of neglect for which a conviction was warranted.

Agriculture Victoria Acting Compliance Manager Penny Lucas said the weight of the fine with conviction sends a very clear message to livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.

‘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.

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

Media contact: Sarah Hetherington

Phone: 0409 405 639