A Cowra man who failed to appear at the Local Court on February 3 to answer animal cruelty charges was fined $2500 last week.
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Ray McKeown was charged with two counts of committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal, two counts of being in charge of an animal and failing to alleviate pain as well as one count of carry/convey an animal unjustifiably inflict pain on animal.
The animals in the incident were two merino ewes.
In his absence Magistrate Peter Dare convicted McKeown on each charge fining him $500 for each.
In addition McKeown was given 14 days to present himself to Cowra Police station for his phototgraph and fingerprints to be recorded.
A order for professional costs of $123.80 was also made against McKeown.
According to the RSPCA in June last year an RSPCA Inspector arrived at the premises of 32 Courallie street, Cowra after receiving information regarding two recumbent sheep.
Upon arrival at the rear lane to the premises RSPCA observed there were 2 recumbent merino type ewes on the ground either side of a trailer with a four wheel motor bike on it. The trailer was attached to a tray back four wheel drive ute.
RSPCA then observed a male person coming toward the rear gate of the premises. The male person introduced himself as Ray McKeown, the accused in the matter.
RSPCA walked into the yard and observed that neither of the ewes could rise and observed that there were paddles marks from both of the animals consistent with where they had struggled.
RSPCA cautioned the accused and then spoke with him.
An electronic recorded interview then took place after which a video was taken of the animals by RSPCA.
The accused admitted to transporting the animals in the condition they were in (Unable to stand).
He also stated he had left these ewes all night and the next day unable to rise.
He explained that he wanted them fresh for his dogs and that it was late the night he got home on the June 1, 2015.
The accused agreed that euthanasia was required immediately for these two animals and carried it out.
In a statement tendered to the court District Vet with the Central Tablelands Local Land Service said "these sheep would be suffering pain and distress as a result of their condition.
"The damage to the eye would also cause pain and distress.
"They would be unable to eat, drink, find shelter or express normal behaviour.
"Sheep in such condition should be euthanised immediately or as soon as possible.
"The sheep are not fit for transport, the exception would be if they were being transported to a veterinary facility for treatment," the District Vet said.
