A Gippsland sheep farmer has been fined following animal cruelty charges at the Korumburra Magistrates’ Court.
Julian Beasley was ordered to pay $2500 as part of an aggregate sentence and $144.60 in statutory costs after an Agriculture Victoria investigation in 2024 found serious welfare breaches at his Berry’s Creek farm.
Officers discovered a mob of sheep without sufficient feed or pasture. One sheep had more than 250 mm of wool, indicating it had not been shorn for over two years. Follow-up visits revealed further welfare concerns, despite two Notices to Comply being issued under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, which Mr Beasley failed to address.
Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said livestock owners have a legal and moral responsibility to care for animals under their control.
“Victorians have a reasonable expectation that livestock will be cared for by those in charge of them,” he said.
“Sheep require specific treatment to remain healthy and to protect them from pain, injury and disease. Shearing is critical to reduce the risk of flystrike, impaired vision, and wool staining.”
Magistrate Mr Starvaggi noted that, despite Mr Beasley’s unblemished record and poor health, the offences were extremely serious, describing the sheep’s condition as “catastrophic.”
