A 79-year-old Strathbogie Shire woman has pleaded guilty to two charges of animal cruelty and one breach of a conditional banning order at the Seymour Magistrates Court on 4 July 2024.
After receiving a cruelty report from a member of the public, RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended the property where they discovered a number of animals both inside and outside the house.
They returned under a warrant and found 86 birds (parrots, doves, and poultry), two dogs, two cats and an alpaca living in unsanitary conditions.
The parrots were confined in squalid conditions; their cages had a heavy build-up of faeces and little to no water, and the air was thick with flies and dust.
The two dogs had very matted coats, yeast infections in their ears, and appeared to have spent considerable time in carry-sized cages, and the alpaca had a heavy fleece burden.
The majority of the birds were able to be rehomed, but a parrot with severe feather loss, three other parrots and a rooster were seized by Inspectors due to inappropriate housing, while the dogs and cats were seized as a direct breach of a previous banning order.
RSPCA Victoria's Dr Cove described the appalling living conditions the animals were kept in.
"These housing conditions are wholly unsuitable for the housing and care of animals, posing a threat to their health and wellbeing," Dr Cove 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 of the threat of injury, illness and disease."
The woman was sentenced to a two-year good behaviour bond with conviction and a 10-year disqualification order banning her from owning any animal with the exception of 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," Acting Chief Inspector Green 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 have been 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 2 years imprisonment for breaching a Control Order.
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.
