Farmer admits starving 140 horses to save feed for sheep
Farmer Glen Joseph Frecklington pleaded guilty to starving 140 horses to save feed for sheep.
A farmer west of Orange, NSW, admitted he starved about 140 horses and left many dead. Frecklington wanted to save feed for sheep, which made more money.
Glen Joseph Frecklington, 52, pleaded guilty to 67 charges of animal cruelty. Frecklington also pleaded guilty to four charges of failing to provide food and veterinary care.
Police found 37 dead horses on the property in May; some had been dead for up to a year. The animals showed severe weakness and repeated failed attempts to stand.
Frecklington told investigators he deliberately blocked the horses from accessing a neighbouring paddock with better feed. Nine horses were put down on May 8, and dozens more were euthanised over the following days.
He faces sentencing in January.
- About 140
- Horses starved
- Bowan Park, west of Orange, NSW
- Location
- 37, some decomposed for up to a year
- Dead horses found
Why it mattersThe case shows the consequences of deliberate animal neglect for financial gain and highlights enforcement of animal welfare laws on rural properties.
AustraliaThis NSW case reinforces animal cruelty laws and the court's role in holding farmers accountable for livestock welfare standards on their properties.
