Rural
28 August, 2026
Farmer fined $15,000 for sheep neglect
Untreated flystrike, poor body condition and inadequate feed were among the issues identified during an Agriculture Victoria investigation into a Wallup sheep property.
Wallup sheep farmer Adrian Schwarz was fined $15,000 without conviction and ordered to pay $301.53 in costs for four animal cruelty charges involving 11 sheep and a flock of 691.
An investigation began at Mr Schwarz’s property in March 2024 after an animal welfare complaint.
Officers found sheep with long wool in a bare paddock without supplementary feed.
During visits, officers observed sheep with visible dags, stained wool, and untreated flystrike.
Officers conducted body condition scoring, hay quality assessments, and worm burden tests, confirming mistreatment.
Mr Schwarz received compliance notices under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and was given information to assist in finding a shearer.
The charges against Mr Schwarz included aggravated cruelty to three sheep resulting in serious disablement or death, failure to treat four sheep suffering from flystrike and infection, and failure to provide adequate food to four sheep and a flock of approximately 691.
In imposing the fine, Magistrate Timothy Hoare said farmers can often foresee conditions and need to “deal with poor conditions when they come around and destock if necessary”.
Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said livestock owners have a moral and legal responsibility to care for animals under their control.
‘Victorians have a reasonable expectation that livestock will be cared for by those in charge of them.’
‘Sheep require specific treatment to remain healthy and to protect them from pain, injury and disease.’
‘Shearing your sheep is critical to reduce the risk of dags forming, which can build up and accelerate the rate of flystrike ', Mr Bode said.
To report livestock welfare concerns, contact Agriculture Victoria at 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
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