Man charged for mowing down calves in Geraldton farmland

A 21-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly driving his Toyota Prado onto private farmland in Howatharra, near Geraldton, at approximately 2am on August 20. During this incident, he reportedly ran down several three-month-old calves, resulting in injuries to at least eight calves, with one needing to be euthanized. The property housed a total of 90 cows and 86 calves, highlighting the scale of the impact on the livestock. Detective Superintendent Peter Foley confirmed that footage of the incident has surfaced online, depicting what he described as an abhorrent act of animal cruelty. He emphasized the seriousness with which such incidents are treated, stating that animal cruelty is unacceptable in society. The police are taking the matter seriously, and the evidence collected will be crucial in the ongoing investigation. The accused was arrested in Waikiki, a suburb located in the outer southern region of Perth. He faces charges of animal cruelty and criminal damage or destruction of property. His court appearance is scheduled for September 18 in Geraldton Magistrates Court, where he will face the legal consequences of his actions. This incident has raised concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of individuals towards livestock. It follows a recent case where RSPCA inspectors investigated the deaths of around 25 cows in Oakford, indicating a broader issue of animal care and management in the region. The community is urged to report any instances of animal cruelty to prevent such occurrences in the future.