A government worker has been charged over the deaths of 71 cattle at a research facility.
Northern Territory police said the animals were found dead or dying at a Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade research facility, 20km south of Alice Springs, on March 13, 2023.
Initial reports indicated the cattle may have been poisoned, however a 12-month internal investigation by the department confirmed the cause of death was dehydration due to prolonged water deprivation.
In March this year, the matter was referred to NT police to investigate potential offences committed under the Animal Protection Act 2018.
Investigators found that the cattle did not have access to drinking water from March 3-13, 2023 and were not checked on during this 10-day period.
A 55-year-old woman who was an employee at the research facility was charged with minimum level of care under the act.
She will appear in Alice Springs Local Court on December 3.
