In the latest event at his Townsend Street “factory” Mr Marsh claims about 100 chickens were clubbed to death with a shovel handle after an intruder climbed the back fence. 

He also claims heating gas to the brooders was disconnected and lights turned off, leaving the birds cold and in the dark. 

Police were contacted by Mr Marsh on Sunday, and officers went to the property with follow-up enquiries expected to be conducted yesterday.

Earlier this year Moyne Shire Council ordered Mr Marsh to remove his chickens from the shed, which is located behind one of the town’s supermarkets, saying his operation breached planning laws. 

In 2013 he claimed council inspectors left a hole in a fence which allowed dogs to enter the shed and maul 940 chickens. 

“It’s bloody rampant cruelty,” he said. 

“Some people are trying to build a case around me. There are people going around to the neighbours trying to get them to make complaints about the noise and smell. 

“The neighbours have all said there isn’t a problem. 

“So they (the agitators) are starting to get desperate.”

Mr Marsh said he would contact the RSPCA and the department of agriculture to investigate cruelty claims.