RSPCA Victoria Inspectors have seized a total of 13 horses and 24 cats from an Ararat property, following a compliance check after the owner, a 70-year-old woman, was disqualified for life from owning more than five cats or horses due to previous animal cruelty offences.
In a statement, RSPCA Victoria said the animals located today were found in poor living conditions, with some showing signs of illness, and were taken to a shelter for assessment and to receive veterinary care.
Today’s seizure is the fourth time the woman has allegedly breached a court order regarding the number of animals in their care.
RSPCA Victoria said it had now removed more than 400 animals from the repeat animal cruelty offender over the last decade.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector, Michelle Green said that repeatedly flouting the law and the continued refusal to provide appropriate care for the animals at the property was beyond belief.
“The sheer scale of animal cruelty at this property over many years is astounding,” Chief Inspector Green said.
“This person has been banned from owning or being in charge of more than five cats and five horses, and yet they not only continue to keep them and acquire additional animals but also mistreat and neglect them.
“As an organisation enforcing animal cruelty laws, we have done everything we can stop the offending and animal cruelty by this person, but they ignore expert animal care advice, legislation, and multiple court orders.
“None of the hundreds of animals over the last 10 years have deserved the treatment they’ve experienced, and serial offending like this should not be allowed to continue and we will continue to apply the full force of the legislation to stop this repeat offender.
“RSPCA Victoria’s team is dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals across the state, ensuring they receive the care and treatment they need, and ensuring compliance with court-ordered disqualifications put in place to protect the welfare of animals.”
RSPCA Victoria CEO, Dr Liz Walker called for stronger penalties for animal cruelty offences.
“It’s simple: Animal cruelty is a crime in Victoria, but we need stronger laws and tougher penalties for offenders,” Dr Walker said.
“Despite being found guilty of animal cruelty offences and repeatedly breaching court orders, this person continues to offend; enough is enough.”
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or by calling 03 9224 2222.
