Central West and Western Plains local news briefing: Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Detailed summary

Footage acquired by advocacy group Animal Liberation, and seen by the ABC, showed people at the saleyard dragging and throwing what an animal welfare group claimed were injured…

Here's what's making news in the Central West and Western Plains regions today.

Accusations of animal cruelty at the Central West Livestock Exchange in Forbes have been referred to an animal welfare inspectorate.

Footage acquired by advocacy group Animal Liberation, and seen by the ABC, showed people at the saleyard dragging and throwing what an animal welfare group claimed were injured sheep from a trailer into a paddock surrounded by dozens of dead animals.

In a statement, the state's Agricultural Minister Tara Moriarty said she had referred the matter to the Animal Welfare League (AWL) to investigate.

Animal Liberation's director Lisa Ryan said the incident was a breach of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals legislation.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Forbes Shire Council, which owns and operates the saleyard, said they were not aware of any accusations of animal cruelty at the facility and had not been contacted by the AWL.

The spokesperson said they were committed to the safe, lawful and humane handling of livestock and should any concerns be raised with the council, they would be reviewed.

Dubbo Regional Council is holding an extraordinary meeting tonight to consider giving Wellington residents a greater say in local Australia Day celebrations.

Councillor Mathew Dickerson put forward a motion aimed at maintaining local ownership of Wellington's ceremony.

Opening of the article, excerpted from ABC Environment. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.