The 21-year-old Naracoorte man fronted Horsham Magistrates Court last week on animal cruelty charges relating to beating and abusing sheep in a Victorian shearing shed in December 2017.

The shearer stomped on sheep's necks, struck sheep in the head with his shearing handpiece and punched sheep in the head.

The Magistrate said the shearer neglected the responsibilities of his role.

"If you work with animals you have a responsibility, not just to your employer and not just to the production of wool, but to the animal you are working with," he said.

"To do your job in a humane way that causes as little trauma to the animal as possible to fulfil your duty."

The magistrate noted that some time has passed since the offence had been committed and the defendant had matured and better understood his role.

Agriculture Victoria animal health and welfare compliance manager Daniel Bode said the case served as a reminder that anyone in charge of livestock has obligations for the care and welfare of animals they are handling.

"It is an animal cruelty offence to beat or abuse an animal and this kind of behaviour is unacceptable," Mr Bode said.

"This case is a strong reminder that shearers need to exercise their duty of care to animals they are handling, and the mistreatment of animals will not be tolerated by the Victorian community."