A 61-year-old Para Vista woman has been sentenced in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to four counts under South Australia’s Animal Welfare Act for ill-treating seven cats.
RSPCA South Australia (RSPCA SA) Inspectors first attended the woman’s Para Vista property on 26 March last year in response to an animal cruelty report, where they found seven cats living in “grossly unhygienic conditions”.
The Inspectors observed a container of murky water and old, dried-up food, while litter trays were overflowing with faeces. Faeces also covered the floor and furniture, and the smell of ammonia and waste was extremely pungent.
“A dog, two aviaries containing birds, two outdoor chickens and an aquarium containing fish were also located at the property. No animal welfare concerns were identified in relation to these animals,” RSPCA SA said in a statement.
“Following several subsequent visits and the defendant’s ongoing failure to comply with Animal Welfare Notices, RSPCA SA Inspectors seized the cats on 28 July 2025. They were transferred to RSPCA SA’s Animal Care Campus in O’Halloran Hill for veterinary assessment. Two of the cats, Tornado and Kat, were diagnosed with severe dental disease.”
In the Elizabeth Magistrates Court yesterday, Magistrate Ferris imposed a two-year good behaviour bond and $100 penalty, with a condition that the defendant be recalled for sentencing if she breaches the bond. The defendant was also ordered to pay RSPCA SA’s lodgement fees of $399.
She is prohibited from having custody of any animals except for one dog, one cat, one parrot and three chickens. She is also subject
to extensive animal care conditions and ongoing monitoring by RSPCA SA.
The defendant agreed to surrender the cats to RSPCA SA for rehoming.
Magistrate Ferris acknowledged the defendant’s serious medical conditions during the offending period and noted that she receives support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). However, Her Honour emphasised that pet owners have a responsibility to provide appropriate care for their animals, including during challenging periods in their lives.
“Pets rely on us entirely and we must have regard to their needs even when ours are being tested,” the Magistrate said.
