Cruelty Case #17587

DEPARTMENT FAILURE

Today, 6th October 2025, we lodged a second formal complaint against a property East of Bendigo.

Local residents have been reporting concerns for two years. We have an email chain dating back to June calling for urgent intervention — yet nothing has changed.

By the time locals raised the alarm, animals were already deceased.

Those still alive are in appalling condition:

 Some are carrying years worth of wool, dragging on the ground.

 Many are wool blind, covered in excrement, and suffering from flystrike

— maggots are burrowing into their flesh and no one has taken meaningful action.

This is not a lapse of judgement.

It’s not a misunderstanding.

It’s neglect — and it’s visible from the road.

Agriculture Victoria has once again failed in their role as the state’s welfare regulator.

This case reinforces our call for a Parliamentary Inquiry into the Victorian Sheep Industry and the conduct of the department tasked with enforcing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA).

Locals are furious. Farmers are appalled. Around 100 sheep remain on the property — with no resident caretaker and an owner rarely seen.

Intervene. Stop their suffering.

Enforce the law — Clause 8.3 of the Welfare Act (Shearing Requirements).

Do your job, Agriculture Victoria.

Stop. Animal. Cruelty.