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New South Wales farmer admits neglecting more than 100 horses
Glen Joseph Frecklington, a 52-year-old farmer in New South Wales, admitted neglecting more than 100 horses, leaving animals dead or severely weakened. He said he had withheld feed for financial reasons, reserving better pasture for sheep that brought in more income.
About 140 sick or dead horses were found at his property near Orange on 6 May, and police later counted 37 dead animals, some thought to have been there for up to a year. Despite being ordered to feed the survivors and arrange veterinary care, Frecklington failed to comply; dozens of horses were later euthanised. He pleaded guilty to 67 charges of causing prolonged suffering and four charges of failing to provide food and veterinary care, with sentencing due in January.
In short
- Farmer admitted withholding feed from horses to prioritise sheep.
- Around 140 sick or dead horses were found near Orange.
- He pleaded guilty to 71 animal welfare charges.
Explained simply
New South Wales is a state in eastern Australia, and Orange is a regional city west of Sydney. Horses need regular food and veterinary care; prolonged lack of either can leave them seriously ill or cause them to die.
The case concerns Glen Joseph Frecklington, a farmer whose property was used to keep horses as well as sheep. Sheep can provide income through farming, while the horses depended on their owner for food and care.
Animal welfare laws require owners to provide animals with adequate food and treatment. The charges Frecklington admitted relate to prolonged suffering and failures to provide that care, and the court will decide the sentence.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Aussie farmer’s chilling admission after more than 100 dead and skeletal horses found in paddock: ‘I haven’t been feeding them’”.