A couple from Kallista, located east of Melbourne, recently appeared in the Wonthaggi Magistrates’ Court where they pleaded guilty to animal cruelty offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA). Nicole and Frank Pytellek were both fined $2000 each without conviction for their actions.
The charges against the couple stemmed from neglecting to supervise and prevent access to a boggy area on their property in Toora, which resulted in unnecessary pain and suffering to a heifer that was stuck up to its neck in mud. In addition, they were also found guilty of failing to comply with a Notice to Comply (NTC) and aggravated cruelty in relation to a steer with a large eye cancer.
The Magistrate emphasized that it was the responsibility of the Pytelleks to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of the animals under their care. The severity of the offences was underscored by the vulnerability of the animals involved.
Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager, Daniel Bode, highlighted that the Pytelleks were absentee owners and the individuals in charge of a mob of approximately 32 cattle. Following a complaint, Agriculture Victoria officers visited the property in September 2023.
During their inspection, officers found a steer in extremely poor condition with a significant eye cancer that had not been treated despite the issuance of an NTC. Additionally, a heifer was discovered completely bogged in a dam with no preventative measures in place to restrict livestock access to the area. Both animals had to be euthanized to prevent further suffering.
Mr. Bode stressed that apart from the obvious pain and suffering inflicted on the animals, breaches of animal welfare standards could tarnish Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food. This could have detrimental effects on all producers in the region.
To report specific concerns regarding livestock welfare, individuals can contact Agriculture Victoria at 136 186 or via email at aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
In conclusion, the case of Nicole and Frank Pytellek serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of upholding animal welfare standards and the consequences of failing to do so. It underscores the need for diligence and responsibility in caring for animals and the potential impact of such actions on the reputation of the agricultural industry as a whole.