A man has been charged following allegations of theft involving Wagyu cattle, semen, and embryos from a farm in Grafton, New South Wales. The investigation, which commenced in 2024, revealed that the 34-year-old was tasked with selling 22 recipient cows and empty cattle on behalf of his employer. However, he reportedly went behind his employer’s back and sold 45 full-blood Wagyu cows and heifers as part of this transaction.
The man allegedly employed a third-party buyer to acquire 114 cattle, including the 45 full-blood animals, at a significant discount, which he then sold for personal gain, amassing an estimated $100,000. Additionally, he is accused of stealing over $100,000 worth of cattle semen and embryos, which were discovered in a liquid nitrogen tank during a police search.
The police arrested him at Grafton Police Station and charged him with over 20 offences. These charges include stealing cattle, fraudulently obtaining a financial advantage, and engaging in aggravated cruelty toward animals. He is currently on conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Grafton Local Court on August 4.
Further investigation uncovered that the suspect had also sought treatment for six Wagyu bulls that became ill under his care, leading to the deaths of two cows. The police report indicates that the man had obtained fraudulent documentation from a 48-year-old veterinarian, who was arrested at his clinic in Grafton. The vet faces charges related to animal cruelty and was granted conditional bail, with a court appearance set for August 11.
This case highlights significant breaches of trust and ethics within the livestock industry, raising concerns about animal welfare and the integrity of agricultural practices in the region.