A cramped pen of sheep at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange. Source – Sheep Advocate Australia.

SHEEP welfare complaints against the Bendigo Livestock Exchange are being investigated by Agriculture Victoria and saleyard owner, the City of Greater Bendigo.

The complaints by Sheep Advocate Australia founder Gary Hall have sparked an email campaign call of support from the Animal Justice Party to shut down the saleyards.

Sheep Advocate Australia founder Gary Hall has submitted a report to Agriculture Victoria detailing 81 complaints concerning alleged recurring welfare concerns at the council-owned livestock.

The complaints, including whistleblower footage and photographs, concern allege compromised sheep have entered the commercial transport and sale system, and that there has been repeated failures to protect vulnerable animals once they arrived.

SAA is calling for stronger enforcement and clear, enforceable protections for pregnant ewes, birthing mothers and young lambs.

Mr Hall told Sheep Central he was not seeking the closure of the saleyards.

“We do not see a need to penalise other farmers for the actions of those responsible.

“We are seeking accountability for the conduct documented in our investigation, including the saleyard’s failure to adequately protect animal welfare on site,” he said.

“Our campaign’s core focus is securing stronger protections for pregnant ewes and lambs aged 12 weeks or younger.”

Mr Hall said he has met with the Director of Agriculture Victoria and DEECA’s head of policy to discuss this proposal.

“Since that meeting, I have received written confirmation from the Minister that our regulatory proposal is under consideration, which is an encouraging development.”

Mr Hall has released a Bendigo Livestock Exchange report that details 81 formal complaints across eight categories. It details examples of pen overcrowding, images of unmuzzled dogs, injured and dead sheep.

Mr Hall said a separate formal briefing paper submitted to authorities with the complaint series remains confidential between Sheep Advocate Australia and Agriculture Victoria.

Agriculture Victoria has confirmed it has received complaints in relation to animal welfare at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange and will work through the matters referred to it.

The agency confirmed it had recently met with Mr Hall from Sheep Advocates Australia to discuss sheep welfare regulation. Issues raised by Mr Hall are being reviewed and will be considered as part of future work, Agriculture Victoria said.

An Agriculture Victoria spokesperson said the agency takes animal welfare very seriously and responds to all allegations received in accordance with the legislation and departmental procedures.

“Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint can call Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email [email protected].

“All complaints received by the department are taken seriously and investigated as appropriate in accordance with departmental procedures.”

City Greater Bendigo chief executive officer Andrew Cooney said the city is aware concerns have been raised and is currently reviewing the circumstances.

“Animal welfare is something the City takes very seriously, and appropriate enquiries are being undertaken to establish the relevant facts.

“The city will work collaboratively with Agriculture Victoria, as required, throughout the course of these investigations. As this process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” he said.

Bendigo Stock and Station Agents Association president Nigel Starick said the agents were collaborating with Agriculture Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo on the animal welfare issues raised.

The Animal Justice Party is fighting for an independent office for animal protection and is seeking support for a pre-written email calling on the government to shut down the Bendigo saleyards immediately and launch an independent investigation.