A former Carlton football player, Joe Dare, has been fined $75,000 and banned from owning cattle for a decade after pleading guilty to 72 charges of animal cruelty and neglect. The verdict was delivered on Monday at the Colac Magistrates Court, where gruesome details of Dare’s treatment of cattle on his Dreeite property were revealed.
Joe Dare, who was recruited as a rookie by the Carlton Blues ahead of the 2010 AFL season but never played a game before being delisted in 2011, faced the court at the age of 33. The charges stem from multiple inspections by Agriculture Victoria officers between July 2022 and January 2024, which uncovered appalling conditions on his farm.
Details of the Offences
Prosecutor Scott Ward described the distressing scenes encountered by the officers, including cows, calves, and bulls in various states of neglect. “Some cows were considered walking skeletons and still had calves suckling from them,” Ward reported. Additionally, a black heifer was found alive despite being shot in the head, highlighting a failed euthanasia attempt by Dare.
In total, 170 animals were found dead, while another 45 required euthanasia. Magistrate Franz Holzer condemned the conditions, labeling Dare’s property an “animal killing fields.” Holzer expressed his dismay, stating,
“I’ve been doing this job for a long time, including in regional Victoria, and this is one of the worst examples of animal neglect and cruelty that I have seen.”
Circumstances and Defense
During the court proceedings, Dare’s barrister, Gregory Lascaris, argued that a “perfect storm” of circumstances overwhelmed his client. Lascaris cited a truck crash injury, adverse weather conditions, and declining livestock prices as contributing factors. Despite these challenges, Dare accepted responsibility for his actions.
Magistrate Holzer, however, was unconvinced by the defense’s argument, emphasizing the significant departure from expected standards of animal care. Holzer stated,
“He got animals that were unwell and then neglected them even further … that’s just shameful, shameful.”
Reactions and Implications
Daniel Bode, Agriculture Victoria’s animal health and welfare compliance manager, remarked on the severity of the case, asserting that Dare had demonstrated he was “not a fit and proper person to care for cattle.” Bode expressed hope that the court’s decision would prevent further cruelty, adding,
“There’s nothing more confronting than having to see this sort of stuff repeated.”
The ruling provides a measure of reassurance to Agriculture Victoria staff, ensuring that Dare will not be responsible for any further cruelty for at least the next ten years. This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with animal husbandry and the severe consequences of neglect.
Looking Ahead
The case of Joe Dare highlights the critical importance of animal welfare regulations and the vigilance required to enforce them. As the agricultural sector continues to face challenges such as economic pressures and environmental changes, the need for robust oversight and support systems becomes increasingly apparent.
Experts suggest that this case could prompt a review of current welfare standards and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the agricultural community is urged to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the humane treatment of livestock, recognizing that the welfare of animals is intrinsically linked to the ethical and economic sustainability of the industry.
