RSPCA applauds judgement in Esperance case.

February 13 2009

Paul Richard Chamberlain, the 60-year-old farmer charged with cruelty to animals by the RSPCA was today given a $25,000 fine and banned from being in charge of any ovine or bovine animals for a period of ten years.

Chamberlain was charged on one count of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act – 19 (1), 19 (2) (d) - in relation to livestock kept on a farm at Grass Patch near Esperance in June 2008. Chamberlain pleaded guilty to the allegation that he was cruel to approximately 1,700 sheep and approximately 50 cattle, failing to provide them with proper and sufficient food; proper and sufficient water and the animals suffered harm which could have been alleviated by the taking of reasonable steps resulting in more than 100 animals dying.

A further 80 sheep were destroyed by Inspectors on humane grounds.

The RSPCA has also placed a submission that Mr. Chamberlain be permanently prohibited from residing on any property where any ovine or bovine animals are kept and is seeking costs of $12,000. Submissions need to be complete by March 9.

“The scene at Grass Patch in June 2008 was devastating” said Richard Barry, spokesperson for the RSPCA in Western Australia. “Ewes were literally dropping dead with their newborn lambs left unable to fend for themselves. RSPCA Inspectors were left with the unenviable task of euthanasing them. The alternative would have been to allow them to die of starvation or dehydration.

“Mr. Chamberlain’s neglect caused these animals to perish in the most cruel of ways, literally starving to death on land that was void of anything but dust and rotting flesh. While he worked elsewhere almost 2000 animals were left without food or water in conditions comparable to a desert. If they weren’t dying of starvation they were perishing face down in bogs where they went to drink. Too weak to extricate themselves from the mud, they died where they fell.

“What happened on that farm in June of 2008 was inexcusable.”

RSPCA Inspectors, aided by other members of the farming community, worked for several days to round-up the surviving animals into a single paddock where they were given food and water.

“The response the RSPCA received following media campaigns – in particular 6PR and ABC radio - was phenomenal. Feed and water were brought to the Chamberlain farm and those animals that could, were able to feed and recover. The work that neighbours and residents around Grass Patch put into saving these animals following media appeals was remarkable.

“At times of drought or near-drought, farmers must ensure that the animals they are in charge of have adequate feed and water or make alternative arrangements such as agistment or selling them. There is absolutely no excuse for allowing animals, be they farm animals or companion animals, to die in this way.”