BY IAN CROUCH
A Hunter farmer will spend at least the next 10 months behind bars over a shocking animal cruelty incident near Dungog.
Brookfield farmer, Michael Johns used his Toyota Landcruiser to slam into a pregnant cow which wandered onto his property from a neighbouring farm in December last year, breaking it's rear right leg.
The 37-year-old then used a pocket knife to slit the throat of the injured animal, leaving it in considerable pain.
The cow's owner discovered the badly injured animal hours later surrounded by 15 Maremma dogs owned by Johns which were trying to maul the animal, and put an end to its suffering.
Johns' solicitor argued for leniency due to a mental health condition. However the application was dismissed, with the Magistrate describing the animal's treatment as utterly appalling.
Johns was also ordered to pay $5000 in costs to the RSPCA.
