World · East Asia & Pacific · 6 hrs ago
Australian farmer admits starving horses to save feed for sheep
Glen Frecklington pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences after horses were found sick and dead on his property in New South Wales, Australia.
On May 6, investigators found about 140 dead or suffering horses in a small paddock west of Orange.
Frecklington told police he had not been feeding them and had not sought veterinary care for financial reasons.
He said he saved better feed for sheep because they earned more money.
Police later found horses still in serious distress, and dozens were euthanised over the following days.
The case involves prolonged animal suffering and failures to provide food and veterinary care.
Frecklington faces a sentencing hearing in January, and prosecutors may seek to withdraw some of the remaining charges.
Glen Joseph Frecklington pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences after more than 100 horses were found dead or in poor condition on his property in New South Wales.
He told police he had not been feeding the horses and said he was saving better feed for sheep because they brought greater financial returns.
About 140 sick and dead horses were found in a dry paddock west of Orange on May 6.
Police and RSPCA officers found animals suffering and ordered Frecklington to provide feed and veterinary care, but officers found horses still in serious distress two days later.
Frecklington pleaded guilty to 67 charges of causing prolonged suffering and four charges of failing to provide food and veterinary care.
- Who
- Glen Joseph Frecklington, a 52-year-old farmer.
- What
- He pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences after horses on his property were starved and neglected.
- When
- The horses were found on May 6; Frecklington pleaded guilty in late October.
- Where
- A property at Bowan Park, west of Orange, New South Wales, Australia.
- Why
- He told investigators he was saving feed for sheep because they brought a greater financial return.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An RSPCA inspector visited the Bowan Park property after a public complaint and found sick and dead horses.
Police found 37 dead animals during a visit to the property.
Police returned and found horses still in serious distress; nine were put down that day.
Frecklington was arrested and charged with 270 offences.
Frecklington pleaded guilty to 67 charges of causing prolonged suffering and four charges of failing to provide food and veterinary care.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled, and prosecutors have indicated remaining charges may be withdrawn.
- Defendant
- Glen Joseph Frecklington, 52
- Location
- Bowan Park, west of Orange, New South Wales
- Animals found
- About 140 sick and dead horses on May 6
- Guilty pleas
- 67 charges of causing prolonged suffering; four charges of failing to provide food and veterinary care
- Initial charges
- 270 offences
What people are saying
I haven't been feeding them
saving it for sheep, as they provided a greater financial return.
These observations were indicative of prolonged suffering, pain and deterioration occurring over a period of time,
The accused's failure to provide proper and sufficient feed, veterinary treatment and appropriate husbandry caused unreasonable, unnecessary and prolonged suffering,