RSPCA Victoria Inspectors have seized a total of 53 cats from an Ararat property on 16 January 2025 during a compliance check after the owner, Ms Christine Weisheit, was disqualified for life for owning or being in charge of more than five cats in December 2024 by the Ballarat County Court.
Of the 53 cats, including six kittens, some were found underweight, with flu symptoms, and skin conditions; they have been taken to an RSPCA shelter to be assessed and receive any required veterinary care.
RSPCA Victoria has prosecuted Ms Weisheit on multiple occasions for animal cruelty and neglect of cats and horses under her care.
This seizure is the second time she has breached a court order regarding the number of cats in her care.
In 2019, Ms Weisheit was convicted, fined, and issued with a disqualification order limiting the number of cats either owned by her or in her care to 35; in 2020, she was found to be in breach of this order with 79 cats located at her property.
RSPCA Victoria successfully charged Ms Weisheit with being in breach of the disqualification order and she was convicted, and the disqualification order saw the number of cats she could own or be in charge of reduced to no more than two.
Most recently, Ms Weisheit appealed this decision in the County Court of Victoria, the outcome of which saw her convicted, placed on a Good Behaviour Bond for five years and disqualified for life from being the owner or person in charge of no more than five cats.
Ms Weisheit also has until 20 February 2025 to comply with a further court order from November 2024, where she was also convicted, placed on a Good Behaviour Bond and was disqualified for life from being the owner or person in charge of no more than five horses.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors will conduct checks to ensure compliance with the disqualification orders and will take the appropriate action necessary if there are any breaches found to be occurring by this repeat offender.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said serial offending like this must be stopped.
"RSPCA Victoria Inspectors have removed more than 380 animals from Ms Weisheit across multiple occasions dating as far back as 2014 due to offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act," Chief Inspector Green said.
"The cost of caring for the hundreds of animals seized from her over the years is staggering - having a significant financial impact on RSPCA Victoria, along with the suffering these animals have faced, and we will continue to hold offenders to account.
"Every animal deserves to receive the care they need, and people must follow any and all court-ordered disqualifications.
"We'd also like to acknowledge and thank Victoria Police for their assistance regarding this matter.
"RSPCA Victoria's team is dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals across the state, ensuring they receive the care and treatment they need, and ensuring compliance with court-ordered disqualifications put in place to protect the welfare of animals."
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or by calling 03 9224 2222.
It's estimated it will cost RSPCA Victoria more than $10.7 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.
