Serial animal cruelty offender faces further charges as dozens more animals seized from Victorian property
A serial animal cruelty offender, who has been found guilty of abusing animals for at least a decade, has had dozens more cats and horses removed from her care. This is the fourth time the woman has allegedly breached the court order preventing her from owning animals, with RSPCA Victoria taking more than 400 animals from her care over the last 10 years.
During a compliance check, RSPCA Victoria inspectors seized 13 horses and 24 cats from a property in Ararat, in western Victoria. Some of the animals showed signs of illness and were found in poor living conditions. They were taken to an RSPCA Victoria shelter for assessment and veterinary care.
RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michelle Green described the scale of animal cruelty as 'astounding'. She stated, 'This person has been banned from owning or being in charge of more than five cats and five horses, and yet they continue to keep and acquire additional animals, mistreat, and neglect them. As an organisation enforcing animal cruelty laws, we have done everything we can to stop the offending, but they ignore expert advice, legislation, and court orders.'
The organisation is calling for stronger penalties for animal cruelty. RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr. Liz Walker said, 'Animal cruelty is a crime in Victoria, but we need stronger laws and tougher penalties for offenders. Despite being found guilty of animal cruelty and repeatedly breaching court orders, this person continues to offend. Enough is enough.'
In July 2023, the 66-year-old woman was found guilty of 54 charges of animal cruelty, including failing to provide proper food and drink, confining animals in ways that caused pain and suffering, and neglecting veterinary care. She was permanently banned from owning or being in charge of horses and ponies, and this term was reduced to a five-year ban on owning or being in charge of more than five horses after an appeal. She was also disqualified for life from owning or being in charge of more than five cats.
The woman has a history of similar charges in both Victoria and NSW, according to RSPCA Victoria. Anyone with concerns about animal welfare is urged to report it to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or by calling 03 9224 2222.
