Headline: Ethical Farmer Faces Court Over Neglect of Pony
Subhead: Clare Voitin, a self-proclaimed sustainability advocate, is charged with serious animal cruelty after a pony named Harry was found in severe distress.
"The pony was euthanized due to extensive injuries."
Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard charges against Clare Voitin, 57, this week. The author and farmer is accused of three counts of serious animal cruelty relating to a chestnut and white pony named Harry.
According to court documents, the pony was found covered in urine and flies in October 2023, after being reported lying down for three days. The animal was euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.
The charges against Voitin include:
- Aggravated cruelty
- Failing to provide veterinary attention
- Confining an animal, causing unreasonable suffering
The RSPCA is seeking a disqualification order that would ban Voitin from owning animals.
Suppression Battle
Voitin’s lawyer requested a suppression order to keep her identity secret, citing safety concerns. However, the court denied the request due to insufficient evidence.
The court did order that details regarding the location of Voitin’s farm and other properties not be published.
The Public Persona vs. The Court Case
Voitin has long marketed herself as an ethical farmer. On her social media and website, she describes her farm as a sanctuary home to various animals and organic orchards.
Her website promotes an alcohol brand, Heathcote Gin, and calls her a "sustainability nerd."
In a 2020 post, Voitin wrote about euthanizing an injured Wagyu calf, stating that farmers care about their animals.
Personal and Legal Turmoil
Voitin has faced significant setbacks in recent years. Her husband, John Voitin, an underworld lawyer, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for fraud and perverting the course of justice.
Prior to that, in 2018, detectives raided properties linked to John Voitin as part of an investigation into money laundering by the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang. The family also dealt with a fire on their property.