General News
28 January, 2024
Farm cruelty claim probe continues
AGRICULTURE Victoria’s investigation into allegations of cruelty at a Newbridge farm are still to finish. The department said last week it would not make any further statements while the probe continued. Allegations against the Halal Centre of...
AGRICULTURE Victoria’s investigation into allegations of cruelty at a Newbridge farm are still to finish.
The department said last week it would not make any further statements while the probe continued.
Allegations against the Halal Centre of Australia-linked Avicenna farm escalated with claims of dead sheep on the property at Christmas.
The 246-hectare property has been owned by Western Fruit and Vegetables, Tarneit, since October 2021, with Trustworthy Nominees Pty Ltd listed as the mortgagee.
Avicenna Farms is part of a sheep farming and breeding program by Singapore-based HalalXpert Pte Ltd, Wonderz Pty Ltd and Malaysia-based ARK Group of Companies Pte Ltd. Companies contacted by the Loddon Herald have not responded to phone calls and emails.
Photographs of goats feeding on sprouted potatoes or potatoes still in plastic bags have also emerged over the past fortnight.
Loddon Shire is also investigating the clearance of native vegetation on the property without a permit.
Agriculture Victoria has not indicated when its investigation will be finished.