A sheep farmer has admitted to failing to provide enough food and appropriate care for his animals, which resulted in several being euthanised.
The farmer from Corack, north of Donald, pleaded guilty in the St Arnaud Magistrates' Court to two charges of failing to provide sufficient feed, three charges of aggravated cruelty, and one charge of failing to comply with notices.
Agriculture Victoria compliance manager Daniel Bode said the farmer received a warning letter regarding basic husbandry requirements for his sheep just a few months before his offending.
"Throughout the period of offending, these sheep continued to suffer and were not provided with appropriate food or treatment, leaving no alternative for Agriculture Victoria officers but to euthanise several sheep that were severely unwell," Mr Bode said.
"The case serves as a strong reminder that it is an offence for livestock owners to fail to provide for their welfare."
The farmer was convicted and fined $5000.
A conditional control order was also imposed, so an Agriculture Victoria inspector could monitor compliance with the law.
