Record of prosecutions
Protecting animals
Agriculture Victoria administers and enforces the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA Act).
Agriculture Victoria investigates animal welfare complaints, which the department receives from many sources. Complaints may lead to enforcement activities being undertaken and in some cases, charges being brought for offences under the POCTA Act.
Enforcement powers
Inspectors appointed under the POCTA Act have a range of enforcement powers relating to suspected cruelty to animals. These include powers to:
- to enter and search premises
- seize animals
- inspect livestock
- take photographs and samples
- provide care for animals
- speak to owners of animals to obtain relevant information
- issue notices to comply relating to the welfare of an animal.
Charges can be brought in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria when the department considers there is sufficient evidence that an offence under the POCTA Act has been committed. In most cases, prosecution is not necessary because early intervention and other prevention methods work. Prevention is the ultimate aim.
The law as prevention
The purpose of the POCTA Act is to prevent cruelty to animals and encourage considerate treatment of animals. The Victorian Government works to ensure the effective implementation of these purposes and objectives.
The department's record of prosecutions
From 1 January 2018 to 30 June 2026, the department prosecuted 99 cases, resulting in convictions or findings of guilt in respect of 635 charges.
These convictions and findings of guilt resulted in:
- $1,404,450.00 in fines
- $9,250 in donations
- Sentences of 650 hours community service and 6 months immediate terms of imprisonment
- 25 individuals were banned from owning or managing livestock up to ten years or permanently under section 12 of the POCTA Act
- 23 individuals were subject to control orders under section 12 of POCTA Act in which they were required to meet strict conditions.
2025–26 court outcomes – Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986
Ballarat Magistrates Court – August 2025
A 46 year old man from South West Victoria was found guilty of cruelty to sheep, namely failing to shear and treat fly struck sheep, as well as failing to comply with legal Notices.
Charges: 5X POCTA, 3 X Livestock Disease Control Act (LDCA)
Outcome: Convicted, fined $20,000 and disqualified from being the owner or person in charge of sheep for 5 years.
Bendigo Magistrates Court – August 2025
A 58 year old man from Northern Victoria was found guilty of cruelty and aggravated to sheep, namely failing to feed sheep, failing to comply with legal Notices and breaching a previous court order relating to livestock.
Charges: 14X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, fined $10,000 and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment.
Colac Magistrates Court – July 2025
A 33 year old man from South West Victoria was found guilty of cruelty and aggravated cruelty to cattle namely failing to treat and adequately supervise cattle.
Charges: 22X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, fined $75,000 and disqualified from being the owner or person in charge of cattle for 10 years.
Kyneton Magistrates Court – August 2025
A 60 year old man from central Victoria was found guilty of cruelty and aggravated cruelty to cattle, namely failing to provide proper and sufficient food.
Charges: 2X POCTA, 5X LDCA
Outcome: Fined $7,000.
Hamilton Magistrates Court – December 2025
A 58 year old man from South West Victoria was found guilty of cruelty and aggravated cruelty to cattle and sheep, namely failing to provide proper and sufficient food, treatment and supervision to livestock.
Charges: 8X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, fined $28,000 and imposed with a conditional order requiring 6 monthly veterinary inspections of livestock for 5 years.
Ouyen Magistrates Court – December 2025
A 59 year old man from Northern Victoria was found guilty of cruelty and aggravated cruelty to cattle, namely failing to provide proper and sufficient feed.
Charges: 14X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, fined $10,000.
Geelong Magistrates Court – December 2025
A 46 year old man from Northern Victoria was found guilty of cruelty to bobby calves, namely beating and abusing calves during unloading at an abattoir.
Charges: 1X POCTA
Outcome: Fined $2,500.
Sale Magistrates Court – January 2026
A 49 year old man from Gippsland, was found guilty of cruelty to cattle, namely by tail docking adult cattle, causing unreasonable pain and suffering.
Charges: 1X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, fined $6,500.
Korumburra Magistrates Court – January 2026
A 66 year old man from Gippsland was found guilty of cruelty and aggravated cruelty to sheep, namely failing to provide sheep with proper and sufficient food and failing to comply with a legal Notice.
Charges: 4X POCTA
Outcome: Fined $2,500.
Shepparton Magistrates Court – January 2026
A 56 year old man from Northern Victoria was found guilty of cruelty and aggravated cruelty to sheep, namely failing to provide proper and sufficient feed, treatment and supervision to lambing sheep.
Charges: 5X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, fined $10,000.
Warrnambool Magistrates Court – April 2026
A 66 year old man from South West Victoria was found guilty of cruelty and aggravated cruelty to sheep and cattle, namely failing to provide proper and sufficient feed and treatment to the cattle.
Charges: 6X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, fined $8,500 and disqualified from being the owner or person in charge of farm animals for 3 years.
Warrnambool Magistrates Court – April 2026
A 66 year old female from South West Victoria was found guilty of cruelty and aggravated cruelty to sheep and cattle, namely failing to provide proper and sufficient feed and treatment to the cattle.
Charges: 6X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, fined $5,000 and disqualified from being the owner or person in charge of farm animals for 3 years.
Shepparton Magistrates Court – May 2026
A 65 year old man from Northern Victoria was found guilty of cruelty to cattle, namely failing to provide water as well as breaching a previous court order relating to livestock.
Charges: 6X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, fined $5,000 and disqualified from being the owner or person in charge of cattle for 2 years.
Geelong Magistrates Court – June 2026
A 74 year old man from South West Victoria was found guilty of cruelty to cattle, namely failing to provide appropriate treatment and supervision for injured cattle and for making verbal threats towards an Inspector.
Charges: 3X POCTA
Outcome: Convicted, ordered to donate $3000 to RSPCA and to write a letter of apology to the Inspector.