A Tasmanian man has been fined thousands of dollars for his failure to prevent two goats from experiencing "severe, avoidable and unreasonable pain".
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On Wednesday, Robert Edney Scott, 51, was convicted by Magistrate Duncan Fairley of four counts of animal cruelty.
The charges, to which Scott pleaded guilty, related to two male goats Scott owned on his Woolnorth property in Tasmania.
RSPCA prosecutor Malcolm Caulfield said after a complaint was made animal welfare officers found the goats with cable ties tied around their testicles in a failed attempt at amateur castration.
It was accepted by the court that Scott had bought the goats with the cable ties already attached, but left them in place.
Mr Caulfield told the court veterinarian Dr Phoebe Cahill had provided a report on the goats' condition, noting the "improper castration" method.
"Both goats were suffering infection in the scrotal and testicular region," Mr Caulfield said were Dr Cahill's observations.
"Dr Cahill said it was her professional opinion that the goats were subjected to an improper castration method that resulted in local and systemic infection causing severe, avoidable and unreasonable pain and suffering.
"She noted the most concerning component of the case was the failure to seek veterinary assistance."
Both goats were also suffering from a heavy worm infestation requiring treatment, and Dr Cahill said they likely would have died in the coming days or weeks without intervention.
Following the guilty plea, Mr Caulfield had sought an order banning Scott from livestock ownership for 10 years.
Defence lawyer Stephen Wright told the court his client had 30 years experience in the dairy industry and currently manages large numbers of livestock.
Mr Fairley considered Mr Caulfield's submission, but ultimately decided such a ban "would be a step too far".
"I accept it is an isolated aberration," Mr Fairley said, noting that Scott had no other convictions relating to animal cruelty or mismanagement.
Mr Fairley also noted Scott had cooperated with authorities, made appropriate admissions and entered early pleas of guilty.
He fined Scott $4000 and ordered he pay court and prosecution costs of nearly $600.
Sandy Powell
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
