A 79-year-old woman in Strathbogie Shire pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges after RSPCA Victoria found 86 birds, dogs, cats and an alpaca in distressing conditions at her property.
A 79-year-old Strathbogie Shire woman faced Seymour Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 4, pleading guilty to two charges of animal cruelty and one breach of a conditional banning order.
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Responding to a report from a concerned citizen, RSPCA Victoria inspectors attended the property, uncovering numerous animals in distress, inside and outside the house.
Armed with a warrant, the inspectors returned to find 86 birds, including parrots, doves and poultry, two dogs, two cats and an alpaca, all enduring squalid living conditions.
The parrots were confined in unhygienic conditions, with their cages having a heavy build-up of faeces and little to no water, and the air was thick with flies and dust.
The two neglected dogs suffered from severely matted coats and painful ear infections, seemingly confined to cramped carry-sized cages for extended periods.
The alpaca, too, endured discomfort with a heavy fleece burden.
Fortunately, most birds found new homes.
A parrot living in squalid conditions at the property of the 79-year-old Strathbogie Shire woman was seized by the RSPCA.
However, inspectors had to seize a parrot suffering severe feather loss, three other parrots and a rooster due to unsuitable housing. The dogs and cats were also removed, as their presence violated a previous banning order.
“These housing conditions are wholly unsuitable for the housing and care of animals, posing a threat to their health and wellbeing,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.
“Leaving helpless animals in such appalling conditions shows these owners are not capable of looking after animals in a way in which they are free of suffering or the threat of injury, illness and disease.”
The defendant was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond with conviction, coupled with a decade-long ban on animal ownership. The woman is now prohibited from keeping any animals, except for six birds.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectorate acting chief inspector Michelle Green said pet owners were legally required to take care of their pets.
“It’s so important for people to know the legal obligations that come with being a pet owner,” she said.
“You must provide a clean and sanitary environment for your animals, including adequate shelter, adequate food and fresh water, and necessary veterinary attention — these are the basics.
“It’s also vitally important people consider not just the number of animals you can legally own, but the number of animals you are able to care for.”
All animals seized in this case were adopted or released to a wildlife rehabilitator.
The relevant offences are covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. Anyone found guilty of cruelty offences can face fines of up to $49,397.50 or 12 months’ imprisonment and fines of up to $98,795 or two years imprisonment for breaching a control order.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals can make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or by calling 9224 2222.
