Prosecutions


In addition to investigating cruelty, RSPCA Inspectors spend a significant portion of their time preparing animal cruelty cases and attending court.

Whilst the RSPCA has an excellent prosecution record, the financial penalty of losing a case can be extremely high. Court cases and potential appeals can be extremely costly and difficult to anticipate. Fines imposed by the court are allocated to the State Government and whilst costs can be awarded to the RSPCA, these are often difficult to recover from the offenders.

Animal welfare legislation

Inspectors protect animals from cruelty and neglect by enforcing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTAA) 1986 and Part 4 of the Domestic Animals Act (DAA) 1994 in Victoria. These pieces of legislation govern the circumstances where our Inspectors can investigate or intervene, and we are lawfully bound by these Acts.  Victoria’s Inspectorate are the only not-for-profit agency with the power to lay charges under POCTAA.

Prosecution outcomes

In addition to investigating cruelty, RSPCA Inspectors spend a significant portion of their time preparing animal cruelty cases and attending court. RSPCA Victoria Inspectors are authorised to investigate animal cruelty reports defined by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTAA) 1986 as well as investigate illegal Domestic Animal Businesses (DABs) defined by the Domestic Animals Act (DAA) 1994. Whilst the RSPCA has an excellent prosecution record, the financial penalty of losing a case can be extremely high. Court cases and potential appeals can be extremely costly and difficult to anticipate. Fines imposed by the court are allocated to the State Government and whilst costs can be awarded to the RSPCA, these are often difficult to recover from the offenders.

You can also read about some of our recent prosecutions below.

**Due to COVID-19 all RSPCA Victoria court cases were adjourned for several months. We are attending online hearings where cases allow, however the volume of prosecutions will be reduced until the courts re-open in due course**

September 2021

Coming soon

August 2021

Coming soon

July 2021

6-Jul-21

Latrobe Valley (online)

The case involved a dog who had suffered injuries to her throat, neck and front legs. The accused wiped the dog with a wet cloth, then asked her friends to take the dog to kennels at Traralgon. On arrival, one of her friends stitched the dog’s wounds with a needle and nylon thread. No pain relief or veterinary treatment was given. The following day the accused stated she checked on the dog and found her to be eating, walking and toileting normally. Later that night, a third party was at the kennels and observed the dog to be recumbent and motionless, and rushed her to the veterinarian. The vet found the dog was suffering from septicaemia due to infected wounds. The accused attended and was told the dog was in critical condition, and her prognosis was very poor. The accused opted for euthanasia.

The accused was fined $500 without conviction and costs of $85.70 were ordered.

8-Jul-21

Ringwood (online)

The case involved a male Golden Retriever known as ‘Cookie’ who had lost use of all four limbs and was unable to walk. The accused contacted South Eastern Animal Hospital and made an appointment for the dog to see the vet and described the condition of the dog to veterinary staff who advised the accused that the animal required vet treatment that day. The accused stated he was too busy to attend on the same day.

Cookie was heard by a witness barking in a low tone in the backyard of the premises throughout the night. The accused cancelled the veterinary appointment due to taking overtime at work.

The dog was detected by a witness recumbent in the backyard letting out low monotone barks which indicated to the witness the dog was distressed.

Again, Cookie was witnessed in the same position recumbent in the backyard, indicating he had not moved for three days. The matter was then reported to RSPCA.

Cookie was found to be paralysed and was suffering a lot of pain and discomfort. The prognosis was very poor of making a recovery or experiencing anything but a poor quality of life, and the dog was humanely euthanised.

The accused was fined $500.00 without conviction and a s12 disqualification order was made against any animal ownership for five years, save for his current dog.

27-Jul-21

Benalla (online)

The accused was the owner and person in charge of multiple animals housed at the premises, including nine dogs, a pig and two ferrets. The RSPCA received a report of dogs which were tethered outside at the premises without access to water. The Bureau of Meteorology temperature for that date and location was a high of 39 degrees Celsius. A search of the RSPCA database revealed that RSPCA Inspectors had visited the property on four separate occasions in 2018, when a copy of the Code of Practice for the Tethering of Dogs had been provided to the accused and his partner.

The RSPCA Inspector observed the animals housed in filthy conditions. All nine dogs were tethered, four of the dogs had no access to water and five had inadequate water. The pig similarly had no access to water. The Inspector was unable to find a water outlet on the premises and went to the neighbours to fill a bucket of water. She provided water to the dogs and the pig, who all drank readily and continually for several minutes.

The accused was fined $500.00 without conviction and a s12 disqualification order was handed down against ownership of dogs except for the six dogs that he currently owns.

June 2021

4-Jun-21

Shepparton (online)

The case involveda tan and white American Staffordshire type dog ‘Buddy’, a Jack Russell type dog ‘Boo Boo’ and four medium-haired cats. The Staffy was kept in the rear yard with no shelter and a heavy build-up of faeces. The remaining animals were locked in the garage. The conditions inside the garage were squalid with a heavy build-up of faeces and urine covering the entire floor. Boo Boo appeared to have a severe skin condition that had inflamed the skin. All six animals were seized and transported to RSPCA.

The Magistrate placed the accused on a Good Behaviour Bond for 12 months without conviction, and awarded costs in the sum of $700.00. The ownership of animals was also granted to RSPCA.

15-Jun-21

Werribee (online)

This case involved an underweight Old English Sheepdog who was taken to a veterinary clinic in Werribee. On examination it was noted that the coat was severely matted, and that thousands of grass seeds were embedded throughout the coat. Around the paws, the seeds had penetrated the skin and embedded in the flesh, causing swelling and lesions. Maggots were also present in the lesions, feeding off the flesh.

The dog was surrendered and transferred to RSPCA’s vet clinic where grass seeds were removed from the coat, ears, ear canals, leg, paws and the prepuce of his penis.

The dog was placed on an adequate nutritious diet suitable for his needs and given anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications to assist with the healing process. Further grass seeds worked their way out of his body over the next few weeks, and the lesions in the paws fully healed with continued treatment after several months. Within five weeks the dog had gained an ideal weight and body condition, and over several months the lesions in his paws healed.

The accused and co-accused were placed on a diversion plan. The conditions were that both be of good behaviour for 12 months, that neither be the owner of a dog for a period of five years and that a donation of $2,500 be made to the RSPCA.

16-Jun-21

Latrobe Valley (online)

The accused and co-accused were the owners and persons in charge of two Bloodhound type dogs. The dogs were not provided with a sufficient quantity of food, and subsequently both dogs lost a significant amount of weight.

Both dogs were graded a body condition score of 1 out of 5 (being emaciated). One dog also had an internal parasite infestation as well as a mild ear infection.

The Magistrate fined both accused $800.00 without conviction and awarded costs in the sum of $385.81 per person. The Magistrate also granted the s12 disqualification order for five years against ownership of all animals except for the two cats and one dog that they currently own.

17-Jun-21

Werribee (online)

The case involved a two–three month-old Boxer type puppy named Jaspar and a 9-month-old American Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy named Diesel.

The accused would strike Diesel as a form of training and discipline, and had hit and kicked the puppy after it had engaged in rough play with the Boxer puppy. He also threw half-bricks at the American Staffordshire puppy as he ran away, with one of the half-bricks missing the Staffy and striking Jaspar.

The Magistrate placed the accused on a good behaviour bond without conviction for 12 months. Costs in the sum of $4,412.40 were awarded and a s12 disqualification order against all animal ownership for two years was granted.

18-Jun-21

Seymour (online)

The case involved a blue male Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog ‘Boofa’.

Boofa was suffering from a chronic skin condition and had extensive hair loss over most of its body. A closer inspection revealed the dog’s skin to be flaky with a waxy appearance.

Boofa was surrendered and transported to an RSPCA Veterinary Clinic. A veterinarian conducted a full clinical examination and found the dog to be suffering from a bilateral ear infection and a skin infection. He was appropriately treated and within two weeks his condition had resolved and the hair had begun to regrow.

The accused was placed on a good behaviour bond without conviction for 12 months and costs in the sum of $313.50 were awarded.

29-Jun-21

Dandenong (online)

The case involved 16 domestic cats, four rabbits, five rats, one ferret, one native gecko, one native hopping mouse and one Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog.

The conditions inside the premises contained a build-up of animal faeces and urine over the flooring surfaces, including carpeted areas. A black Miniature Lop rabbit was deceased in emaciated body condition and a white Miniature Lop rabbit was recumbent in emaciated body condition and was later humanely euthanised. Necropsy identified the rabbits emaciated condition was due to malnutrition.

Five rats in the same enclosure were sneezing and in poor body condition and in a separate enclosure was a rabbit in very poor condition. These animals had no access to food and either no access to water or access only to contaminated water. The bedding of the enclosures were soiled, with no evidence of recent cleaning. The rats were found to be in thin body condition and to be suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection that required treatment. The rabbit was in emaciated body condition and was suffering from starvation.

A ferret was also found in the kitchen, housed in an enclosure with no food and minimal amount of water.

The accused was placed on a Community Corrections Order with conviction for 12 months with 60 hours of unpaid community work. Costs in the sum of $729.50 were awarded and a s12 disqualification order was made against all animal ownership for a period of five years, save for her current dog and cat.

May 2021

3-May-21

Geelong (online)

The accused was the owner of a bay Thoroughbred mare ‘Harmony’ in poor condition.A Notice to Comply was issued ordering he seek veterinary attention, with the veterinarian diagnosing teeth problems and a lack of nutrition. She recommended euthanasia or surrender within 24 hours.Harmony was surrendered to a horse welfare group and a full recovery was made.

The accused was fined $1,000 as part of aggregate order with costs ordered of $305.10.He was disqualified for a period of two years from being the person in charge of more than one horse.

Frankston (online)

The accused lived/worked at a greyhound training track and trapped an adult Brushtail Possum in a home-made wire possum trap.The accused kept the possum in the trap, wired the trap door shut (to prevent the possum from escaping), fed the possum apples and kept the trap under a wooden box in the backyard of the premises. RSPCA attended the track after the Brushtail Possum was discovered by Greyhound Racing Victoria Officers conducting a routine inspection of the premises. The accused admitted to the Inspector that he had trapped the possum and kept it. The accused denied the trap was his and denied he intended to use the possum as a lure.

The magistrate released the accused on an undertaking to appear before adjourned date if called upon, to be of good behaviour and to pay $2,000 to the court fund, without conviction.

10-May-21

The accused was the owner of a dog who was emaciated and sick. A Notice to Comply was issued and the accused attended at a veterinary clinic and was told the dog needed ongoing treatment. He did not comply with the instructions so the dog was seized and much later surrendered but had to be euthanised.

The court found all charges proven, ordered a $1,500 fine with no conviction, $8,000 in costs and disqualified the accused from being an owner or person in charge of dogs for two years.

18-May-21

Benalla (online)

The accused was the owner and person in charge of a Thoroughbred mare ‘Hazel’ who was found in very poor body condition, with the ribs, spine, croup and pelvis bones prominent and visible. A local veterinarian attended and stated the mare’s weight was approximately 150-200kg less than a healthy horse her age. In addition, Hazel was suffering from chronic malnutrition and poor teeth and had not had any appropriate care, diet or adequate nutrition provided. The vet believed that the emaciation was of a chronic nature and it was found that euthanasia was the kindest course of action.

The accused was placed on a Good Behaviour Bond for 12 months without conviction, with costs in the sum of $752.25 awarded. He was ordered to donate $1,000.00 to the RSPCA and he was placed on a s12 disqualification order in relation to horses for two years.

20-May-21

Frankston (online)

The accused was the owner and person in charge of an 11-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier type female dog ‘Shelby’. The dog was in a very thin body condition and was suffering from red and inflamed skin and noticeable hair loss. The accused advised that she had tried to feed the dog but had not sought veterinary attention. The dog was surrendered and upon veterinary examination was found to be emaciated. Shelby was placed on a suitably adequate diet and treated for the flea infestation and skin condition. Within two weeks, the skin had drastically improved, and the hair was regrowing. After two months, Shelby had increased her body weight by 50% and she was now in an ideal body condition. The vet’s view was that the dog was not provided with proper and sufficient food for a period of several weeks to months.

The Magistrate placed the accused on a Good Behaviour Bond for six months without conviction, with costs awarded in the sum of $313.50. She was ordered to donate $300.00 to the RSPCA and was placed on a s12 disqualification order in relation to dogs for two years.

20-May-21

Frankston (online)

The accused was the owner and person in charge of a 14-year-old American Staffordshire terrier cross type dog ‘Makko’. The dog was seized by council as a stray, and on admission to the pound was found to be emaciated and suffering from a large open necrotic mass in the groin area, as well as other infected lumps on his body.

The accused stated that the dog had been losing weight for the past two months and that she was aware of the lumps and the necrotic mass. She stated she believed the dog had cancer, but she could not afford to have the dog euthanised. Makko was surrendered to the RSPCA where he was euthanised on humane grounds.

The Magistrate placed the accused on a Good Behaviour Bond for six months without conviction and awarded costs in the sum of $313.50. A $300 donation to the RSPCA was also ordered.

27-May-21

Seymour (online)

The accused was the owner and person in charge of a dog, two cats and one rabbit abandoned at a property. When an Inspector attended the dog had been removed but two cats and one rabbit were found to be in a filthy state and were seized.

The accused was convicted and fined $1,000 with costs of $3,124.80 awarded to the RSPCA. She was disqualified for a period of five years from being the person in charge of any animals, save a dog she currently owned.

27 May 2022

Seymour (online)

The accused was the owner and person in charge of a horse who had a large purulent haemorrhagic mass completely obscuring the left eye. A Notice to Comply was left for the owner who responded two days later. The owner stated the eye mass was present for four years. The horse was euthanised by the owner on the vet’s recommendation.

The accused was fined $1,000, ordered to pay costs of $1,747.00 and disqualified for a period one year from owning or being in charge of horses.

28 May 2021

Kerang (online)

The accused was the owner and person in charge of a Shetland pony mare with severely overgrown hooves. Notices to Comply were issued for vet and farrier care but were not complied with. The pony was seized and subsequently surrendered. He was conveyed to the nearest vet where radiographs confirmed he was severely disabled. He was later euthanised on humane grounds.

The finding was without conviction, the accused to undertake to be of Good behaviour until March 2023 and to pay $630 costs and donate $2,000 to the RSPCA.

April 2021

Date Of Case Species Involved Court Case Details Sentence
15 Apr 2020 Dogs (2) Ballarat (online) The case involved two fawn pitbull terriers, Missy and Justice, who were found to be in emaciated body condition. One was in body condition score of 1 / 5, being emaciated, and the second dog was in body condition score 1.5 / 5, being thin to emaciated. Both dogs were also suffering with heavy flea burdens and associated sores and hair loss. The accused elected to surrender both dogs to the RSPCA due to financial constraints. A veterinarian assessed that both dogs were in poor body condition with live fleas present, and that they would have been in this condition for at least several weeks. Further, one dog had skin disease and the other was suffering from an ear infection. Missy has since been humanely euthanised and Justice was adopted. The accused was convicted. He was fined $500.00 ($250.00 per dog) and a disqualification order under section 12 in respect to dogs was granted for a period of 5 years.
22 Apr 2021 Dog (1) Frankston (online) The case involved a female, white coloured, 11-year-old, Miniature Poodle known as ‘Roxy’. The accused failed to provide veterinary treatment to Roxy who suffered from dental disease and infection of the mouth, of such severity it caused the lower jaw to rot away and was significantly shorter than the upper jaw.Roxy was suffering a severe mass on the inner oral aspect of the lower jaw preventing closure of the mouth and occupying a large majority of the oral cavity.She was in emaciated body condition, weighing just 3.75kg, with a matted foul odorous stained coat and skin and with severely overgrown nails, including the right foreleg dewclaw which was growing back into the nailbed. Roxy’s matted coat was twisting and pulling her skin causing pain; and was also suffering an ear infection with severe brown discharge within the external ear canal. Due to the severity of Roxy’s condition which was irreversible, and the severity of pain Roxy was suffering, she was humanely euthanised. The accused was fined $1500.00 and a disqualification order under section 12 in respect to dogs was granted for a period of 5 years. We were awarded costs in the sum of $873.40.
26 Apr 2021 Dog (1) Horsham (online) The case involved a female Bull Arab type dog named ‘Bindi’ who was found tethered to a kennel by Inspectors. The accused was subject to a s12 Disqualification order that was still in place.The accused was found to be in contravention of the s12 Disqualification order due to her possession of Bindi. Bindi has since been returned to her original owner. The Magistrate placed the accused on a Good Behaviour Bond for a period of 6 months without conviction and requested that she pay a $200.00 donation to the RSPCA.
26 Apr 2021 Dog (1) Geelong (online) The accused was the owner of a Maltese type dog named ‘Missy’ in September 2019. The dog was handed into the pound as a stray, where it was assessed that it needed veterinary treatment for numerous medical issues. The accused was given a Notice to Comply by the RSPCA, instructing her toseek veterinary treatment. She failed to do this andInspectors later attended at her premises, acting upon a warrant and the dog was found concealed in a cupboard in the accused’s bedroom. The dog had a matted dirty coat, swollen abdomen and had a pungent odour. The dog was seized and examined by a RSPCA vet, she stated that both the dog’s ear canals were suffering from infections, with the left ear being one of the worst she had ever seen. This infection had been present for several weeks by the time she was examined, and the degree of dental disease present was an indication that the dog had not received any dental treatment. Several rotten teeth were extracted. The accused did not claim the dog and she was rehomed. The accused was convicted on all three charges, fined $1500 as part of aggregate order, and ordered to pay costs in the amount of $2104.07 and pursuant to S12 the accused is disqualified for a period of two years from being the person in charge of any dog.
 26 Apr 2021 Dogs (3) The accused was the co-owner and person in charge of three dogs.The RSPCA attended the premises and the dogs were observed to be in very poor body condition.Instructions were given to provide veterinary treatment. Information later obtained confirmed that the accused was disqualified from being a person in charge of dogs.She admitted she knew that she was not allowed to own dogs. The three dogs were seized from the property and taken to Burwood East RSPCA shelter.The accused surrendered all three dogs to the RSPCA. She was convicted and fined $1500.She has prior history of failing to provide sufficient food to a dog and had received a 10 year disqualification which led to the recent seizure and resulting court case.

November 2020

Date Of Case Species Involved Court Case Details Sentence
12 Nov 2020 Horses (5) Geelong (online) The accused was the owner and person in charge of five horses, all of which were significantly overweight and required urgent farrier treatment. Four mares were found to be lame and laminitic, and the remaining gelding had mild lameness. One horse died 13 days after the date of seizure, and a further two failed to respond to treatment and were euthanised on humane grounds. The accused was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of five years and was disqualified from being the person in charge of any animal save for an existing horse for a period of one year. A monitoring order was also issued, allowing POCTA Inspectors to attend premises where his horses are kept to monitor his compliance with the disqualification order.
23 Nov 2020 Dog (1) Werribee (online) This case involved an 8-year-old Pomeranian type dog named Layla, which was found by an RSPCA Victoria Inspector in the backyard of the accused’s home. The dog was in a state of recumbency and emaciation, with urine-soaked skin and fur. Due to her recumbency the dog was unable to access shelter or water, and as a result was also severely dehydrated when found. The dog was seized and despite our best efforts to treat her multiple issues, her condition deteriorated and after seven days in our care she was euthanised on humane grounds due to poor prognosis and quality of life. The accused was convicted, fined $5,000 and ordered to pay costs of $2,358.

 

October 2020

Date Of Case

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

12 Oct 2020 Dog (1) The accused and co-accused failed to provide veterinary care to an emaciated, recumbent dog, with the dog later dying as a result. 9(1)i The accused was ordered to pay costs of $722.14 and without conviction was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for 12 months. The accused was also banned from owning or being the person in charge of any animal for four years.
12 Oct 2020 Dog (1) The accused and co-accused failed to provide veterinary care to an emaciated, recumbent dog, with the dog later dying as a result. 9(1)i The accused was ordered to pay costs of $722.14 and without conviction was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for 12 months. The accused was also banned from owning or being the person in charge of any animal for four years.
16 Oct 2020 Dog (1) Ballarat The accused was the owner and person in charge of a dog who was found in a sick, emaciated condition. The dog was surrendered. 9(1)f
9(1)i
The accused was convicted and fined $500, ordered to pay costs of $1,382.40 and was also disqualified from being a person in charge of a dog for a period of five years.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

September 2020

Date Of Case

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

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Sentence

29 Sep 2020 Dog (1) Bendigo The accused was the owner and person in charge of a dog who was left alone in a car for four days where temperatures ranged from 38 to 42 degrees Celsius. The animal was found deceased on arrival. 9(1)a
9(1)b
10(1)
The accused pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order with 80 hours unpaid work. They were further ordered to undertake various treatment programs and given a 10-year ban from owning or being the person in charge of any dog, the maximum length of ban for a first offence.

March 2020

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

4 Mar 2020 Dog (1) Dandenong The accused was the person in charge of a dog in breach of an Order pursuant to section 12(1) of POCTAA. Application pursuant to section 24X. The application was granted and ownership was given to RSPCA Victoria *
12 Mar 2020 Berwick Dog (1) Dandenong The accused was the person in charge of an elderly dog who was emaciated with a heavily matted coat. Dog surrendered on day of visit. 9(1)c The accused pleaded guilty and was convicted and fined $1,000. Further ordered to pay costs of $850 and a two-year banning order in respect of dogs was imposed.
16 Mar 2020 Geelong Cats Geelong The accused and co-accused were conducting an unregistered rearing domestic animal. business, failed to comply with the Code of Practice in four respects, failed to comply with the lawful direction of an authorised officer on three occasions, and committed cruelty offences to 10 cats by improperly confining them in cat carriers. 45 DAA
63A DAA
76(1)(a) DAA
9(1)b POCTAA
The accused pleaded guilty and without conviction, was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of  good behaviour for a period of 18 months. The accused was also prohibited from conducting or working in a domestic animal business for 18 months. A fine of $750 was imposed with additional costs of $84.
16 Mar 2020 Geelong Cats Geelong The accused and co-accused were conducting an unregistered rearing domestic animal. business, failed to comply with the Code of Practice in four respects, failed to comply with the lawful direction of an authorised officer on three occasions, and committed cruelty offences to 10 cats by improperly confining them in cat carriers. 45 DAA
63A DAA
76(1)(a) DAA
9(1)b POCTAA
The accused pleaded guilty and without conviction, was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of  good behaviour for a period of 18 months. The accused was also prohibited from conducting or working in a domestic animal business for 18 months. A fine of $500 was imposed with additional costs of $84.
19 Mar 2020 Dog (1) Ringwood The accused and co-accused were owners. and persons in charge of an emaciated dog with FAD. Dog was surrendered to RSPCA where it was found malnutrition to be the cause of the dog’s poor health. The dog increased 53% body weight in 10.5 weeks. 9(1)c
9(1)f
With conviction, the accused was fined $500. The accused is also disqualified from being the person in charge of any animal for a period of three years, save for one dog and one cat.
19 Mar 2020 Dog (1) Ringwood The accused and co-accused were owners. and persons in charge of an emaciated dog with FAD. Dog was surrendered to RSPCA where it was found malnutrition to be the cause of the dog’s poor health. The dog increased 53% body weight in 10.5 weeks.  10(1) With conviction, the accused was fined $500. The accused is also disqualified from being the person in charge of any animal for a period of three years, save for one dog and one cat.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

February 2020

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

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Sentence

13 Feb 2020 Belgrave Heights Rabbits (59), guinea pigs (69) Ringwood The accused was the owner and person in charge of 59 rabbits and 69 guinea pigs. Despite several visits to help manage numbers, the accused was not willing to reduce numbers further. 9(1)b
9(1)b
The accused was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months.  The accused was further disqualified from being the person in charge of any more than 10 guinea pigs and eight. rabbits for a period of five. years..
20 Feb 2020 Cats (38) Broadmeadows The accused was the owner and person in charge of 38 cats which were housed in cramped and unsanitary conditions and exhibiting signs of cat flu. All cats seized. N/A The accused attended court and, after lengthy discussions, they opted to surrender all cats to RSPCA Victoria. The application was thus withdrawn.
21 Feb 2020 Mount Clear Dog (1) Ballarat The accused was the owner and person in charge of a dog who was contained in a back yard with no food, water or shelter, and with a heavy flea burden. 9(1)c The accused was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of $1,500 and costs of $1,319. The accused was also disqualified from being the person in charge of any domestic pet or animal for a period of five years.
24 Feb 2020 Dogs (2) Broadmeadows The accused was the owner and person in charge of two huskies. No shelter was provided despite advice, verbal instruction and a subsequent NTC. 9(1)f
24ZP(2)
The accused was convicted and fined $2,000 with a further $6,685 in costs. They were also disqualified from being the person in charge of any dog for a period of five years.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

December 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

12 Dec 2019 Mount Cottrell Dog (1) Werribee The accused was the owner and person in charge of a dog who was chained in a yard with a broken leg for over a week with no vet attention sought. The dog was surrendered. 9(1)i The accused was released on an ordered undertaking to be of good behaviour until December 2020. The court further ordered a donation of $400 to the court fund
17 Dec 2019 Merrigum Dogs (3), birds, cats, chicken Shepparton The accused was the owner of a number of animals, including birds and cats that were housed in appalling conditions, three dogs that required vet treatment for ear and dental issues, and a chicken with a broken leg who had not received vet treatment. 9(1)i
9(1)i
9(1)i
9(1)i
9(1)b
9(1)b
9(1)b
9(1)b
9(1)b
9(1)b
The accused was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond, with costs of $217.25 awarded. The accused was disqualified from being the person in charge of more than 28 animals for a period of five years.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

November 2019

No cases were finalised in November 2019.

October 2019

No cases were finalised in November 2019.

September 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

5 Sep 2019 Mount Clear Dogs (2) Ballarat The accused was the owner and person in charge of two dogs. Both dogs were underweight, had fleas, and one dog had a severely matted, urine-stained coat. Both animals surrendered. 9(1)f
9(1)i
The accused was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for 12 months, and ordered to donate $500 to RSPCA Victoria. Also disqualified from being a person in charge of any animal for five years, save for one cat.
5 Sep 2019 Horses (3) Ballarat The accused was the owner and person in charge of three horses. The horses were in poor boy condition with inadequate food and various injuries. The horses were eventually surrendered. 9(1)f
9(1)i
The accused was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for 12 months and ordered to donate $1,250 to RSPCA Victoria. Also disqualified from being the person in charge of more than one horse for a period of a year.
11 Sep 2019 Dog (1) Heidelberg The accused, together with the co-accused, was the owner and person in charge of a dog that was riddled with maggots as the result of a failure to maintain the dog’s coat. Humane euthanasia of the animal was required. 9(1)i The accused was fined $1,500 without conviction. Also disqualified from being the person in charge of a dog, with the exception of one already-owned dog.
11 Sep 2019 Dog (1) Heidelberg The accused, together with the co-accused, was the owner and person in charge of a dog that was riddled with maggots as the result of a failure to maintain the dog’s coat. Humane euthanasia of the animal was required. 9(1)i The accused was fined $1,500 without conviction. Also disqualified from being the person in charge of a dog, with the exception of one already-owned dog.
 17 Sep 2019  Melbourne  Dog (1)  Melbourne The accused was the owner of a dog who was hit twice with a shoe, resulting in two significant fractures. The accused admitted to hitting the dog, who had to be euthanised as a result of its injuries.  9(1)a The accused was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months and ordered to make a $400 donation to RSPCA Victoria.
 18 Sep 2019  Dog (1)  Werribee The accused was the owner of an elderly dog who he beat with a stick, causing two leg fractures which were left untreated.  9(1)c The accused was fined $2,000 and ordered to pay costs of $1,649.
 19 Sep 2019  Horses (2)  Dandenong The accused was the owner of two horses in emaciated body condition. One horse died during Inspectors’ attendance and the other was seized and later surrendered.  9(1)f
9(1)i
9(1)f
9(1)l
The accused was fined $3,000 with conviction and disqualified for a period of three years from being the person in charge of any horse.
 19 Sep 2019  Horses (5)  Bairnsdale The accused was the owner of five horses on an agistment property. The accused was not attending to feed the horses and there was no natural pasture. The accused failed to improve condition and failed to comply with a NTC.  9(1)f The accused was placed on an undertaking to be of good behaviour and was ordered to pay a sum of $1,000 to RSPCA Victoria as well as $500 in costs. Also disqualified from being the person in charge of any more than five horses for a period of five years.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

August 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

8 Aug 2019 Lakes Entrance Dog (1) Bairnsdale The accused was the owner and person in charge of a dog who was found deceased on the accused’s property. A post-mortem revealed the cause of death was prolonged starvation. 9(1)f
9(1)i
The accused was sentenced without conviction to pay a fine of $500 and to pay costs of $511.
15 Aug 2019 Dogs (2) Frankston The accused was the owner of a two dogs. Instructions and a NTC were given to groom one of the dogs. The accused then went overseas and failed to make arrangements for the care of the dogs. 9(1)c
9(1)f
The accused was fined $300 with conviction and was ordered to pay costs of $581.66. The accused was also disqualified from being a person in charge of any dog for a period of five years.
29 Aug 2019 Cat (1) Sunshine The accused was the owner and person in charge of a cat who had flu symptoms, dental disease and inflamed swollen paws. The cat was seized and claim was made. 9(1)i The accused was ordered to pay a donation of $100 to RSPCA Victoria, and was also disqualified from being a person in charge of any animal for a two-year period, save for two cats and one dog.
29 Aug 2019 Cats (13) Sunshine The accused was the owner and person in charge of 13 cats with various ailments. Two cats were seized by RSPCA Victoria, with the remaining 11 seized by council. 9(1)i
9(1)i
The accused was ordered to pay a donation of $100 to RSPCA  Victoria, and was disqualified from being the person in charge of any animal for two years, save for two cats and one dog.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

July 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

1 Jul 2019 Arcadia Horses (10) Shepparton The accused was the person in charge of 10 horses. The accused was failing to feed the horses,and a further five had untreated injuries. 9(1)f
9(1)i
The accused was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months and ordered to pay $500 to the court fund.
4 Jul 2019 Dog (1) Heidelberg The accused was the owner of a dog found with a severely matted coat, dermatitis and tooth decay. The dog was surrendered. 9(1)c The accused was fined $2,000 without conviction and was disqualified from being a person in charge of a dog for a period of two years.
4 Jul 2019 Dog (1) Heidelberg The accused was the person in charge of a dog who was found in a sick, emaciated condition. The dog was surrendered. 9(1)i The accused was convicted and fined $5,000, ordered to pay costs of $313.50 and was also disqualified from being a person in charge of a dog for a period of three years.
15 Jul 2019 Dog (1) Bendigo The accused was the owner and person in charge of a dog who he beat with a hose. 9(1)ia The accused was ordered to pay $286.98 in costs and placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour and to complete a behaviour change program.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

 

June 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

4 June 2019 Eden Park Dogs (3), cats (3) Heidelberg The accused was the owner and person in charge of three dogs and three cats. One dog was severely matted, one dog sustained an injury that was left untreated, and all six animals were housed in appalling conditions. 9(1)i
9(1)b
The accused was fined $4,000 and ordered to pay costs of $2,149.50.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

May 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

9 May 2019 Buningyong & Grenville Dogs Ballarat Two cases were consolidated for the purpose of a plea. The accused conducted two unregistered DABs which did not comply with the Code of Practice. Seven animals seized. 63A
45
76(1)(a)
45
12(2)(a)
63A
The accused was convicted and fined an aggregate total of $5,000. A prohibition order was imposed for a period of two years, preventing the accused from conducting or working in a DAB.*
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

April 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

4 Apr 2019 Ashwood Dog (1) Ringwood The accused was the owner of a dog who was suffering from cherry eye and poor body condition. The dog was seized and no claim made. 9(1)f
9(1)i
9(1)c
The accused was convicted and fined $1,500. They were also ordered to pay costs of $313 and disqualified from being the person in charge of a dog for two years.
10 Apr 2019 Point Cook Dogs (3) Werribee The accused, together with the co-accused, were the owners of two dogs, both of which were in poor condition.  Despite verbal advice and NTCs, the condition of the animals did not improve. Both dogs were seized and a s24X application was lodged. A further dog was later removed and a subsequent s24X application was lodged. 9(1)f
9(1)f
The accused was convicted and fined $500, while also ordered to pay costs of $3,764. They were disqualified from being a person in charge of any animal for a period of five years, and the three dogs were awarded to RSPCA Victoria.
10 Apr 2019 Point Cook Dog (3) Werribee The accused, together with the co-accused, were the owners of two dogs, both of which were in poor condition. Despite verbal advice and NTCs, the condition of the animals did not improve. Both dogs were seized and a s24X application was lodged. A further dog was later removed and a subsequent s24X application was lodged. 9(1)f
9(1)f
The accused was convicted and fined $500, and was also disqualified from being a person in charge of any animal for a period of five years. The three dogs were awarded to RSPCA Victoria.
11 Apr 2019 Broadmeadows Dog(1) Broadmeadows The accused was the owner of a dog who wassuffering from severe skin infections with no treatment provided. The dog was seized and found to be dehydrated. No claim made. 9(1)i
9(1)f
The accused was convicted, fined $2,500 and ordered to pay costs of $1,669.
16 Apr 2019 Shepparton Dog (1) Shepparton The accused was the owner and person in charge of a dog who was underweight and had an untreated leg fracture. The dog was picked up as a stray and later surrendered. 9(1)c
9(1)i
The accused was convicted, fined $191.50 and disqualified from being the person in charge of any pet animal for a period of two years.
30 Apr 2019 Chadstone Dog (1), rats (2), tropical fish (66) Melbourne APPEAL
The accused was convicted at the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 12 February 2019, of keeping a dog, two rats, and 66 fish in contravention of a Disqualification Order that had been previously imposed. Sentenced to 2-year good behaviour bond, ordered to pay $500 to Court Fund and further disqualified for a period of five years.
The order of the Magistrates’ Court was set aside. The accused was ordered to pay $200, ordered to be of good behaviour for a period of two years, and further disqualified for a period of five years.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

March 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

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Sentence

13 Mar 2019 Dog (1) Heidelberg The accused sold a puppy online without a microchip which was unfit for sale due to being highly deformed in both hind legs. 12A(1) DAA
9(1)g
The accused was convicted and fined $1,500. Also ordered to pay costs of $313.50 and disqualified for five years from being the person in charge of any animal.
13 Mar 2019 Reservoir Cat (1) Heidelberg The accused was the owner of a cat, and was witnessed to hit the animal on a number of occasions. An admission was made and the cat was surrendered 9(1)a The accused was convicted and fined $1,000, and ordered to complete a cat education course before they could be in charge of any animal.
14 Mar 2019 Mickleham Horses (3) Broadmeadows The accused was the owner of three horses, all of which were emaciated, two with injuries and one recumbent. Two horses had to be euthanised, and after the accused failed to treat the third horse despite a Notice to Comply, the horse was seized with no claim made. 9(1)f
9(1)f
The accused was convicted, fined $2,500 and ordered to pay costs of $433.50.
14 Mar 2019 Glenroy Dogs (2) Broadmeadows The accused was the owner of two dogs, both in poor condition with no access to water or shelter. A Notice to Comply was issued and not followed, so both dogs were seized with no claim made. 9(1)f
9(1)f
The accused was convicted, fined $2,000 and ordered to pay costs of $1,981.77.
26 Mar 2019 Pine Grove Dogs (2) Echuca The accused was the owner and person in charge of two dogs, both of which were emaciated and one was found deceased. Both dogs were seized and no claim made on the live dog. 10(1) The accused was convicted, fined $500 (to go to the court fund) and ordered to pay costs of $957. Also disqualified from owning a dog for three years.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

January 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

8 Jan 2019 Lara Horse (1) Geelong The accused was the owner of a horse and despite earlier advice, failed to seek vet treatment. The owner did later arrange a vet who euthanised the horse on humane grounds. 9(1)i The accused was fined $1,000 without conviction.
23 Jan 2019 Warrak Cats (122), horse (1) Ballarat The accused was the owner of 122 cats and a horse. The cats were suffering from various medical conditions and poor disease management.  The horse sustained an injury, and given no treatment was provided it required euthanasia.  23 cats seized and a further 99 cats via a Ministerial Order. 9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)f
9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)i
9(1)i, 9(1)i,
9(1)I, 9(1)i
9(1)f, 9(1)i
9(1)c,9(1)c
9(1)b,9(1)b
9(1)i,10(1)
On the cat charges, the accused was convicted and sentenced to a fine of $10,000.00, while also ordered to pay prosecution costs of $10,000.00.  On the horse charges, the accused was convicted and fined $1,500.00.*
23 Jan 2019 Collingwood Cat (1) Melbourne The accused was the owner of a young cat that was presented to the Animal Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Collingwood by a person who witnessed the accused throw the cat against a wall. The cat suffered severe head trauma and a broken tooth.  The cat was subsequently seized under a S24U and held by the RSPCA 9(1)f
9(1)i
Fined $1,000.
31 Jan 2019 Narre Warren Dog (1) Dandenong The accused was the owner and person in charge of a dog who was emaciated and needed vet care. The animal was seized and later surrendered. 9(1)f
9(1)i
Ordered to pay costs of $834 and fined $1,000 with conviction. The accused was also disqualified from being in charge of any animal for five years.
31 Jan 2019 Doveton Dog (1) Dandenong The accused was a neighbour of a dog, and due to frustration with the dog’s barking he beat the dog and caused significant injuries. The dog was taken by the owners to a vet and treated. 9(1)a Convicted, sentenced to a 18-month Community Corrections Order with 250 hours unpaid community work. Also ordered to pay $3,681 in compensation to the owner of the dog.
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused

February 2019

Date Of Case

Location

Species Involved

Court

Case Details

Charges

Sentence

 6 Feb 2019 Hoppers Crossing Dog (1) Werribee The accused, together with the co-accused, were the owner and person in charge of a dog in Hoppers Crossing between February and April 2018. The dog was suffering from an ear infection and matting, and no treatment was provided despite advice and Notice to Comply.  Dog subsequently
seized and 24X application lodged.
9(1)c
9(1)i
The accused was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour until 03/02/2020.  They were ordered to make a donation to the RSPCA of $250 by 6 March 2019.  Dog awarded to RSPCA.
 6 Feb 2019 Hoppers Crossing Dog (1) Werribee The accused, together with the co-accused, were the owner and person in charge of a dog in Hoppers Crossing between February and April 2018. The dog was suffering from an ear infection and matting, and no treatment was provided despite advice and Notice to Comply.  Dog subsequently
seized and 24X application lodged.
9(1)c
9(1)i
24ZP
The accused was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour until 03/02/2020.  They were ordered to make a donation to the RSPCA of $250 by 6 March 2019.  Dog awarded to RSPCA.
12 Feb 2019 Chadstone Dog (1), rodents (2), tropical fish (66) Moorabbin The accused was the person in charge of numerous animals, in breach of her imposed disqualification order. All animals were seized and no claim made. 12AF  The accused was fined $500 and disqualified for a period of five years from being the person in charge of any animal, save for an assistance dog obtained through a named organisation.*
14 Feb 2019 Oaklands Junction Horse (1) Broadmeadows The accused was the owner of a horse who was in poor condition and suffering from laminitis. The accused failed to comply with a Notice to Comply, and the horse was later surrendered to the RSPCA. 9(1)i The accused was placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for two months.
18 Feb 2019 Miniature pony (1) Kyneton The accused was the owner and person in charge of a miniature pony with overgrown hooves, and did not comply with instructions to have a farrier see the animal. The pony was eventually surrendered and remedial farrier treatment was provided. 9(1)i
9(1)c
Ordered to pay costs of $420.55 and fined $1,200.00
27 Feb 2019 Prahran Possum (1) Melbourne The accused set a total of 8 unprescribed traps. A possum was caught in a trap and subsequently killed by the accused.  10(1) Fined $500 without conviction
 *This case is currently being appealed by the accused