A WIMMERA man been fined $20,000 after being convicted of multiple offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Horsham Magistrates' Court recently heard in June 2011, Department of Primary Industries officers visited the man's property and saw numerous dead and many emaciated and ill horses.
The animals were found to be suffering from chronic malnutrition leading to starvation, parasitism and associated debilitative conditions.
Charges against the man included aggravated cruelty to an animal, failure to provide food, drink and shelter for an animal and unreasonably failing to provide treatment to a sick animal.
The court convicted the man and fined him $20,000 and banned him from running livestock for 10 years.
He was also ordered to pay $45,084 in costs.
The man had originally contested the charges, but after six days of proceedings, changed his plea to guilty.
Biosecurity Victoria executive director Dr Hugh Millar said it was the responsibility of all livestock producers and animal owners to ensure the welfare of their animals.
