South-west farmer pleads guilty to animal welfare offences

12 December 2025

Yulecart farmer Andrew Ford has pleaded guilty to multiple animal welfare offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 at the Hamilton Magistrates’ Court recently, receiving a fine of $28,000 and a control order to run for 4 years.

Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Animal Health and Welfare Compliance, Daniel Bode confirmed Mr Ford was the person in charge of cattle and sheep at various properties in the south-west area.

Mr Bode said Agriculture Victoria officers attended the properties between March and May 2024 and identified serious animal welfare issues, including animals that had been recumbent for more than 48 hours and been predated while alive, animals with parasite burdens and animals with insufficient feed. One cow had a large abdominal tumour.

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: Tessa Butler