A 33-year-old Wonthaggi man was sentenced to a four-year jail term after pleading guilty to animal cruelty offences.
The man was filmed committing and encouraging these offences against a sambar deer, a fox, and a guinea pig in 2019 and 2020.
He admitted inflicting pain, suffering, and terror on the animals. He was convicted of three charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22nd August 2024.
Authorised Officers investigated after uncovering three videos of the man’s offending during a separate investigation. The footage showed him tormenting a fox cub, kicking and stabbing a deer, and using a guinea pig as live bait to train hunting dogs.
In September 2021, a male co-offender was sentenced and narrowly escaped jail due to personal circumstances. He was convicted and fined $4000 for multiple animal cruelty offences.
Such behaviour is completely unacceptable, widely condemned and deserving of jail.
Anyone who suspects or has information about wildlife crime can make a report with Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. Callers can remain anonymous.
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