MP awaits update on feedlot claims

ALLEGED acts of animal cruelty at an intensive farming operation at Mount Duneed has highlighted the need for an Independent Office of Animal Protection, according to a local MP.

Member for Western Victoria and Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick said feedlot claims and alleged animal cruelty at a local property had been reported to him, and other authorities, but he was waiting for an update.

“It’s other farmers in the area who are concerned; they have raised this, they don’t want what’s going on to tarnish their reputations,” Mr Meddick said.

Mr Meddick asked Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas in parliament last month “to intervene and put an end to the suffering of these animals and the loss of amenity for the neighbours”.

“Some constituents in my region have brought to my attention the disturbing treatment of animals on a property near Mount Duneed. Animals are being disposed of by being dumped over the fence into Thompson Creek,” Mr Meddick alleged.

“They have also seen constant arrival and departure of large numbers of cattle, now numbering over 800. What it looks like to any reasonable person is that this person is running an intensive feedlot for cattle.”

An RSPCA Victoria spokesperson said the association had received reports in relation to the Mount Duneed property, however they have been referred to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

“RSPCA Victoria is authorised to investigate cruelty reports relating to livestock when fewer than 10 animals are involved. Welfare concerns for more than 10 livestock are investigated by DJPR,” the spokesperson said.

Agriculture Victoria is believed to have completed its investigation and is unable to disclose the outcome under a privacy act but a spokesperson said the department took “animal welfare very seriously and responds to all allegations received in accordance with the legislation and departmental procedures.”

Mr Meddick said whether it involved domestic, agriculture or native animals, “they should be treated with the best of care, and this should be reflected in the Act (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986) and penalties” .

“And that’s why we are involved in the rewriting of the Act; it’s unworkable and unfit to meet community expectations. We hope to have a new Act before parliament next year,” he said.

“Since we (Animal Justice Party) began we have been calling for an Independent Office of Animal Protection,” Mr Meddick said, explaining a specific authority responsible for animal protection was needed in Victoria to deal with allegations like those presented in the Mount Duneed case.

Meanwhile, the Surf Coast Shire council said it had also received reports of dumped animal carcasses and animal cruelty, which it passed on to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria and Agriculture Victoria respectively, as the appropriate enforcement authorities.

The council also confirmed that it was looking into the alleged feedlot from a planning perspective but was unable to comment at this time.

The use of land in a farming zone for animal grazing does not require a planning permit, however the use of a feedlot or an intensive animal production land use requires a planning permit in the farming zone.