The officers also conducted body condition scores, hay quality tests and worm burden tests which confirmed mistreatment.
Mr Schwarz was issued with notices to comply under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and provided with information to help him find a shearer.
Mr Schwarz’s charges included aggravated cruelty of three sheep resulting in serious disablement or death; failing to provide appropriate treatment for four sheep suffering from flystrike and infection; and failing to provide proper and sufficient food to four individual sheep and to a mob of about 691 sheep.
In imposing the fine, Magistrate Timothy Hoare said farmers could often foresee conditions and needed to ‘deal with poor conditions when they come around and destock if necessary’.
Agriculture Victoria compliance manager Daniel Bode said livestock owners have a moral and legal 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 your sheep is critical to reduce the risk of dags forming, which can build up and accelerate the rate of flystrike.”
Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint in regard to livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
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