A man has been charged after allegedly using his 4×4 vehicle to run over several calves in a shocking act of animal cruelty.
The 21-year-old is accused of driving his Toyota Prado on private farmland at Howatharra, near the coastal town of Geraldton, which is about five hours north of Perth, at about 2am on August 20.
He then allegedly ran over several three-month-old calves that were trying to avoid being hit, police said.
At least eight calves were injured and one had to be euthanized.
The property had 90 cows and 86 calves.
Detective Superintendent Peter Foley said shocking footage had been taken of the alleged act.
“We are aware of a video circulating on the internet depicting what can only be described as an abhorrent act of animal cruelty,” he told reporters.
‘The vision is confrontational and we take incidents of this nature extremely seriously.
A 4×4 driver allegedly ran over several calves on private property north of Perth (file image pictured)
“Animal cruelty has no place in our society and will not be tolerated.”
The 21-year-old was arrested at an address in Perth’s southern suburbs. Waikiki Beach
He has been charged with one count each of animal cruelty and criminal damage or destruction of property.
The man is due to appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on September 18.
Last month, RSPCA inspectors were called to investigate around 25 cows that were left dead in a paddock in the suburb of Oakford, south of Perth.
The owner of the property was reported to be absent.
His son told Seven News the cows had suffered pneumonia and were unable to move due to the wet conditions.
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