Two women from the Greater Shepparton area, aged 20 and 24, were each found guilty of two counts of animal cruelty and fined $600 at the Shepparton Magistrates Court in November 2024.
RSPCA Inspectors attended a Shepparton location after a member of the public submitted an animal cruelty report about an unwell cat.
The Inspectors seized three cats suffering from acute respiratory infections as part of their investigation to protect the animals' ongoing welfare.
Despite the animals' obvious poor health, the owners of the cats had not sought veterinary treatment for any of the animals.
RSPCA Victoria's treating veterinarian said the animals were also suffering from a severe flea burden "A lay person would have been able to recognise that this cat was suffering and sought veterinary advice and care," the veterinarian said.
"[The cats had] symptoms consistent with an upper respiratory tract infection. He additionally had fleas and flea dirt present throughout his haircoat."
The vet also found one of the cats had permanent vision damage due to "obvious eye conditions" requiring surgery.
"He had surgery to release the adhesions that had formed between his third eyelids and the globe of his eyes…[However] he has some scar tissue … that will always remain."
Magistrate Casey was one of the presiding Magistrates and noted pet owners are responsible for the welfare of their animals.
"When we have pets, they rely on us utterly," Magistrate Casey said.
Both women were found guilty, without conviction, of two counts of failing to provide veterinary treatment to a sick or injured animal and were fined $600 each.
One of the women was also found guilty of threatening a POCTA Inspector during the course of their duties and disqualified from owning a cat for 12 months.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said pet owners must never ignore the wellbeing of their pets.
"These cats were obviously suffering for an extended period of time without any treatment and this has resulted in permanent health issues for at least one of these animals," Chief Inspector Green said.
"Neglecting the welfare of your pet is cruel and should never happen to any animal.
"If you are concerned about whether you can afford a vet bill, please reach out for help before it gets worse.
"Your local veterinary clinic may offer payment plans or can recommend services in your area to help you and your pet."
The relevant offences are covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Anyone found guilty of cruelty offences under the Act can face fines of up to $98,795.00 or 2 years' imprisonment.
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.
