Yungngora Association Incorporated (YAI) has been sentenced after pleading guilty to 11 charges of animal cruelty under the State’s Animal Welfare Act.
The charges related to incidents of harm involving cattle across Noonkanbah Station in the Fitzroy Valley in December 2018 and followed a comprehensive investigation by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
DPIRD conducted aerial and on-ground inspections of the property and confirmed that a significant number of cattle had died and identified others that were in very poor condition and suffering severely.
A number of water points across the property were found to be inaccessible or not operational and required urgent repairs.
Approximately 85 cattle were required to be humanely euthanised on the Kimberley property.
Judgement delivery was handed down in Broome Magistrates Court which was a fine of $250,000, suspended for 24 months. Prosecution costs were awarded for $20,000.
The Court also imposed a set of conditions through a Section 55 Order under the Animal Welfare Act 2002, to ensure a proper management regime is in place on the property for the next five years, with the aim of enhancing the welfare, safety and health for animals on Noonkanbah.
DPIRD Principal Investigator Dan Oswald said DPIRD took animal welfare seriously and worked with all relevant stakeholders in responding to animal welfare complaints.
“Any person in charge or control of an animal, or a property where animals are kept, is responsible for the welfare of that animal and the provision of reasonable care,” Mr Oswald said.
“DPIRD’s inspectors operate around the state to monitor compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and we encourage people to assist our inspectors in reporting or providing information about the ill-treatment or cruelty of animals.
“This can be reported online through the RSPCA complaints form or by contacting 1300 278 358.”
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