A former South Gippsland Shire Metropolis Councilman has been fined $ 50,000 and banned from proudly owning or managing any animals for 10 years after being discovered responsible of animal cruelty.
Key phrase:
- Six of twenty-two prices towards farmer Jeremy Wealthy have been dismissed
- The courtroom heard that as much as 50 sheep have been discovered useless in a pit in varied states of decomposition
- Mr Wealthy says he’ll enchantment the choice
Justice of the Peace Tony Burns dismissed six of the 22 prices towards Jeremy Wealthy, however was satisfied that the remaining 16, together with circumstances of aggravated animal cruelty, have been true past an inexpensive doubt.
The Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court docket heard the allegations associated to 33 sheep owned by Mr Wealthy who suffered fly assaults, a few of whom have been paralyzed and died, but additionally heard contextual proof for a lot of extra affected by the illness.
Flystrike is a severe animal welfare challenge the place fly larvae feed on the broken pores and skin of a sheep host.
The courtroom additionally heard that as much as 50 sheep had been discovered, in varied states of degradation and predation, in a pit.
In his sentencing remarks, Justice of the Peace Burns mentioned Wealthy’s failure to behave had induced “incredible struggling for the sheep”.
Prosecutor Liam McAuliffe on the Division of Jobs, Precincts and Areas mentioned heavy penalties needs to be imposed to discourage others.
Former municipal councilors reject selections
Mr Wealthy rejected the argument.
On the second day of the trial, Wealthy appeared an hour late, refraining from the chance to cross-examine witnesses or make concluding remarks.
Justice of the Peace Burns opened the proceedings, saying he was happy that Mr Wealthy had provided justice within the proceedings, provided that “he stormed out of courtroom yesterday”.
The primary witness, District Veterinarian Will Hume, appeared for cross-examination by Mr Wealthy, however was rapidly dismissed.
Mr Wealthy was additionally ordered to pay $ 3,288 for the witness’ time and $ 4,065 in courtroom prices.
It got here after Mr Wealthy was warned that he might threat being present in contempt of courtroom.
Mr Wealthy was additionally ordered to pay courtroom prices and for the testimony he had supposed to cross-examine.
Mr Wealthy acknowledged that he would enchantment the fees.
“It’s fairly apparent that there are irregularities right here,” he mentioned.
“That is what’s resulting in the collapse of society. That is what we’re heading in direction of proper now.”