Stephen Anderson, 40, pleaded guilty to an animal cruelty charge against his Berkshire pig, who died shortly after the isolated incident on January 30. 

According to facts tendered to the court, a witness passed the pig sitting in a steel trailer parked on Kane Street in Mangoplah, in 42 degree heat. 

The man noticed the pig was panting and distressed, trying to avoid the trailer’s hot tray and bars, which was parked in the direct sunlight. 

Returning to the parked trailer 30 minutes later, the man contacted RSPCA. 

The witness later returned to Kane Street and claimed he saw a man hosing the pig, which appeared to be lying on its side, deceased. 

In agreed facts, Anderson said he checked, hosed and provided the pig with water every 30 minutes. 

The facts also stated Anderson was concerned for the pig after three weeks of antibiotics over an issue with its mouth and intended to take the pig to the vet. 

Anderson’s representative, Stephen Groch, said Anderson was extremely remorseful and the incident was completely out of character. 

Mr Groch said Anderson had never had any issues with animals or the RSPCA before.  

“The heat was not the cause of death but it certainly didn’t help,” Mr Groch said. 

“In hindsight, he knows he should have shifted the pig.” 

Mr Groch asked the court to consider a good behaviour bond or fine, on the basis that Anderson had learnt his lesson. 

Police prosecutor Priscilla Jones told the court the maximum penalty for animal cruelty was six months imprisonment, calling for the granted prohibition order. 

Magistrate Michael Crompton told the court he would take into account Anderson’s lack of history but also the need for specific and general deterrence. 

Anderson was ordered to pay a $1500 fine to the RSPCA and was handed a 12 month good behaviour bond. 

Anderson has launched a severity appeal against the sentence and will face Wagga District Court on July 24.