UP TO 1200 head of cattle are being seized by the RSPCA NSW following more than a year of complaints and the death of 800 other cattle.
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The seizures commenced on Monday and come following animal welfare complaints, visits by RSPCA inspectors to the property in Binnaway and orders for the owner to manage, feed and adequately care for the cattle.
The cattle are located on five properties across 4807 hectares.
The RSPCA said the first complaint was received in late June 2018 which alleged serious animal welfare concerns for approximately 1500 head of cattle.
"Our inspectors visited the properties on 10 occasions between June 2018 and July 2019, along with Local Land Services NSW district veterinarians," the RSPCA said in a statement.
"Legally enforceable written directions were issued in relation to destocking throughout that period; however the owner did not comply with these directions within a suitable time frame, which seriously affected the welfare of the animals remaining on the property."
On August 27 this year, a stock welfare panel was established to address the issue.
The RSPCA said the panel offers expert veterinary advice and a process for owners to address the issues, and it comes following the failure of early intervention strategies to improve the welfare of the affected animals.
On September 27, instructions were served on the person in charge of the cattle that required him to manage, feed and adequately care for the cattle.
"The instructions warned that failure to comply would result in the stock being seized and sold," the RSPCA said.
"Throughout the stock welfare panel process the owner did not comply with instructions issued for the feeding and management of the animals.
Since the animal welfare concerns were brought to the attention of authorities approximately 800 cattle had died, and the remaining cattle were found to be in distress or at risk of becoming distressed.
- RSPCA NSW statement
"The panel determined that since the animal welfare concerns were brought to the attention of authorities approximately 800 cattle had died, and the remaining cattle were found to be in distress or at risk of becoming distressed."
On November 20, the NSW Department of Primary Industries deputy director general issued orders for the seizure and sale of the remaining cattle.
The seizure operation is expected to take all week.
"The money from the sale of the cattle, minus the transport and veterinary treatment costs incurred in connection with the seizure and the sale will be distributed back to the farmer," the RSPCA said.
If you have any concerns for the welfare of an animal, no matter the circumstances, contact the RSPCA on 1300 278 358.
MAP: The location of Binnaway
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