Neglected cows, birds found dead on Qld vet’s farm
Laine Clark |
Dead birds in cages.
A dog locked on a verandah littered with faeces.
Cows found deceased on the property.
A Queensland veterinarian’s hobby farm was described as a “scene of decay and neglect” when an RSPCA inspector arrived in late 2018.
Five years later, Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) has found the experienced vet – who can’t be named – had engaged in professional misconduct.
The RSPCA had received complaints about the farm before an inspector attended in October 2018.
A cow was found dead by the inspector who had concerns for other animals, with a number of birds discovered dead in their cages.
Water was scarce and whatever amounts were available were coated with algae.
There was faeces, bird cage waste and a dead rat on the locked, enclosed verandah where the dog was kept.
The remaining birds, cows and the dog “drank vigorously” when fresh water was provided.
The vet of more than 30 years’ experience was called but would not engage with the inspector about the animals when he returned to his farm hours later.
The inspector executed a search warrant more than a week later and found nothing had changed on the property.
“The cattle were confined in pens that resembled an old piggery, with one dead in the water soaked bog,” the QCAT decision said.
“Dead birds were removed from the enclosures and again, there was a lack of water for the animals.”
The dog was taken away for treatment and was found to have “seriously decayed” teeth, which were removed.
They found the dog’s dental condition ought to have been evident to the vet for more than 12 months.
The vet pleaded guilty to three charges and was fined $2000 at a magistrates court in June 2019.
He was also ordered to pay almost $5500 compensation to the RSPCA.
“You provide an excellent standard of care in your role as a veterinary surgeon and that, to me, makes it all the more extraordinary that you were not able to transfer that to your home in relation to the animals that were in your care,” the magistrate said.
“I note that you are very busy. It is not an excuse.
“Clearly, the conditions that I have looked at and heard about were appalling.”
The Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland in 2019 sought to have orders made that the vet was unfit to practise and be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons.
After the vet made submissions including an undertaking to practise under supervision, the board in 2020 submitted QCAT should make a finding of professional misconduct.
QCAT noted that before prosecution the vet’s priority was his work, neglecting not only the farm animals but also his own health and wellbeing.
“He exhibits significant remorse and has sought assistance from others as to the management of the animals on his farm,” it said.
AAP
