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A woman is facing allegations of defying a court order for the fourth time, prohibiting her from keeping animals. Over the past decade, RSPCA Victoria has reportedly removed more than 400 animals from her care.
According to RSPCA Victoria, several of the horses and cats rescued today were in poor health and living in substandard conditions.
The rescued animals have been transported to an RSPCA Victoria facility where they will receive necessary assessments and veterinary treatment.
Michelle Green, the chief inspector at RSPCA Victoria, expressed her shock at the magnitude of the cruelty involved, describing it as “astounding.”
“This individual has been legally restricted from owning or managing more than five cats and five horses,” stated Green. “Yet, they persist in acquiring and mistreating additional animals, showcasing blatant neglect and abuse.”
“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.”
The organisation is pleading for stronger penalties for animal cruelty.
“It’s simple: animal cruelty is a crime in Victoria, but we need stronger laws and tougher penalties for offenders,” RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker said.
“Despite being found guilty of animal cruelty offences and repeatedly breaching court orders, this person continues to offend; enough is enough.”
The RSPCA said that in July 2023, the then-66-year-old woman was found guilty of 54 charges of animal cruelty, including failure to provide the animals with proper and sufficient food and drink, confining them in a way that would likely cause pain and suffering and failing to provide veterinary care.
She was permanently banned from owning or being in charge of horses and ponies.
That term was reduced to a five-year ban on owning or being in charge of more than five horses after she appealed the decision.
The woman has also been disqualified for life from owning or being in charge of more than five cats.
She has previously been found guilty of similar charges in both Victoria and NSW, RSPCA Victoria said.
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