A Magistrate has convicted a producer agisting sheep in central Victoria following several charges of alleged animal cruelty.
Agriculture Victoria said the Bendigo region "absentee producer" pleaded guilty to four charges, two of cruelty and two of aggravated cruelty.
He was convicted an placed on an 18-month community corrections order and required to complete 200 hours of community work.
Between May 3 and 9, 2019, Agriculture Victoria officers found 72 sheep at the property were not provided with proper or sufficient feed.
Of these 72 sheep, nine had recently died and eight were seriously disabled and were euthanised.
As a result of the continuing non-compliance, Agriculture Victoria siezed the remaining animals.
In handing down the sentence the Magistrate said if not for the guilty plea, a term of imprisonment would have been imposed.
He referred to the conduct as disgraceful.
To make a livestock welfare complaint, contact Agriculture Victoria on 13 61 86.
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