Animal welfare inspectors found hundreds of cattle died on a remote farming property in WA after allegedly being left in scorching summer heat without adequate access to water.
Investigators attended the vast property in WA's Kimberley region on December 26 and 27 and found that water points were “inaccessible or not operational”. Approximately 85 cattle were euthanised.
Yungngora Association Incorporated, which controls the Noonkanbah Station, confirmed it was served three directions notices by the WA’s agriculture department.
Christopher Wilkin, the CEO for Yungngora Association, said the organisation would “continue to address these issues”.
“It has also has been working closely with and under advice from the Department in a concerted effort to ensure that immediate and long term sustainable animal welfare is achieved," he said in a statement to NITV.
The Indigenous group have owned the pastoral lease since the 1970s and put land rights on the national agenda when they tried to stop American mining giant Amax drilling for oil on their land.
WA Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan said there could be legal and financial consequences for the “very serious animal welfare issue”.
"All pastoral properties need to be vigilant in ensuring cattle have access to feed and water, especially given the hot conditions and lack of surface water in the north this season," she said.
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