September 6th, 2024Verdict upheld for farmer found guilty of animal cruelty

A Gippsland farmer has failed recently in his attempt to have his conviction and sentence overturned in the County Court of Victoria. 

Jeremy Rich was appealing against his 2022 conviction on 16 charges, including one of aggravated cruelty, following the death of numerous sheep in his care. 

In 2022, the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court heard the charges related to a large outbreak of flystrike and gastrointestinal parasitism in a flock of more than 2,300 sheep at Mr Rich’s property between March and April 2020. 

Agriculture Victoria officers attended the property in early March 2020 in response to a complaint concerning sick and dying sheep. Officers attended a further 9 separate occasions and issued several Notices to Comply. 

Over this time numerous sheep with flystrike were observed, 3 were humanely euthanised by officers and 41 recently deceased sheep were recorded. 

Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager, Daniel Bode, said despite receiving numerous Notices to Comply, no action was taken by Mr Rich.

A significant number of sheep died and were either scavenged, partially eaten, removed or buried in a large pit.

Following this Contested Hearing in the Magistrates’ Court in 2022, Mr Rich was convicted and fined $50,000.00, plus costs of $4,005, and a 10-year disqualification order was imposed. 

The matter was reheard on appeal in the County Court in 2024. Mr Rich was convicted on 13 charges, fined $50,000 and ordered to pay additional costs of $40,386 to the Department for the running of the appeal. The court also re-imposed the 10-year disqualification order.

Mr Bode said the weight of the 10-year disqualification order is substantial and will ensure that animals are protected from further pain and suffering.

“It sends a very clear message that those who continually commit offences against animals should not have the privilege and opportunity to care for them in the future,” Mr Bode said.

“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.

“This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.”

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

Words: Agriculture Victoria. Image: Supplied