A Kallista couple pleaded guilty to animal cruelty offences after allowing a heifer to get stuck in mud up to its neck and not treating a steer with eye cancer.
Nicole and Frank Pytellek faced the Wonthaggi Magistrates’ Court for the offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA) where they both received a fine of $2000 without conviction.
The pair plead guilty to two charges of neglecting to supervise and prevent access to a boggy area on their property at Toora, resulting in unnecessary pain or suffering caused to a heifer stuck up to its neck in mud.
The accused also pleaded guilty to two charges for failing to comply with a Notice to Comply (NTC), and aggravated cruelty in respect of a steer with a large eye cancer.
The Magistrate commented the responsibility fell on them to keep the animals safe, healthy, and well, and the offending was taken seriously because of the vulnerability of the animals.
Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said the Pytellek’s were absentee owners and persons in charge of a mob of approximately 32 cattle.
In response to a complaint, Agriculture Victoria officers attended the property in September 2023.
“The AgVic officers observed a steer in extremely low body condition and with an advanced eye cancer measuring 15cm wide and 11cm deep. An NTC that was issued to provide treatment was not acted on.”
Additionally, a heifer was discovered, whose body was completely bogged in a dam. There was nothing to prevent livestock accessing this area.
Both animals were euthanised to prevent further suffering.
Mr Bode said apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.
Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint regarding livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au
