Overgrown horns are a serious welfare issue
In January, a man was found guilty of cruelty in Kalgoorlie Magistrate’s Court over a bull with an ingrown horn and was fined $3,000.
The injured bull was found at the Muchea Livestock Centre by an inspector from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Livestock Compliance Unit.
The bull had been transported from a pastoral property in the Goldfields. The ingrown horn had penetrated the animal’s skull by 9cm on one side and the wound was infected.
The offender was convicted of one charge of failing to take reasonable steps to alleviate harm to an animal.
Last year, were reported on a similar incident in which a grazier was found guilty of cruelty over a cow’s overgrown horn which pieced its eye.
On that occasion, the overgrown horn was discovered when the cow was sent to a local abattoir.
After the most recent case, it is timely to repeat the advice given last year. Apart from cases like this emphasising the benefits of having polled cattle, where cattle are horned, there must be regular checks on horn growth to ensure horns are tipped if they pose a risk of injury. The industry promotes the use of polled breeds as there is no need to disbud, dehorn or deal with issues of horned stock.
Livestock without horns:
Are less likely to hurt or injure other livestock.
Are less likely to hurt or injure themselves.
Are easier to handle.
Cause less damage to farm infrastructure such as yards, gates and troughs.
Require less space during transport.
Require less space in feedlots.
Are easier to catch in a head bail and apply ear tags to.
To report suspected cruelty to animals, contact the RSPCA on 1300 278 3589.
Posted on in Animal welfare