In both cases, the defendants pleaded guilty.
A truck driver pleaded guilty to three charges of animal cruelty at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court, receiving a fine of $2000 with conviction.
An order for costs was made of $733.
In the second case, a purchaser and transporter of bobby calves, pleaded guilty to four charges of animal cruelty at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, receiving a fine of $3750 with conviction.
An order for costs was made in the amount of $536.28.
Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare Compliance Daniel Bode said transporters had a responsibility to ensure calves are fit for the journey ahead, protected from cold and heat and are handled appropriately during loading and unloading.
“Calves should always be handled with great care and the use of dogs or electric prodders on bobby calves is prohibited by law,” Mr Bode said.
“Calves must also not be kicked, beaten, pulled, thrown or dumped or prodded with any sharp instrument.
“These responsibilities and others are described in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards — Land Transport of Livestock.
“Under the Livestock Management Act (2010), anyone involved in the livestock transport process must comply with these standards.”
Mr Bode said transporters had a legal duty of care for their welfare.
“Appropriate management, transportation, handling and marketing of bobby calves needs to be a priority for everyone in the dairy industry,” he said.
“The vehicle or trailer being used to transport bobby calves must be clean and have an enclosed front and a non-slip floor.
“Space allowance should be minimised to avoid injury to calves in transit, however they should never be overcrowded.
“Selling calves that are immature, weak or sick is cruel and can result in premature death and may lead to prosecution.”
The Dairy Australia website has plenty of resources. Visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au and search for ‘bobby’ to see what is available.
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