Repeat animal cruelty offender, Liudmila Petropoulos, was sentenced in the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, after being found guilty of six offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the Domestic Animals Act 1994 in another successful prosecution by RSPCA Victoria.
Mrs Petropoulos was found guilty of three offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTAA) and three charges under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (DAA).
The offences occurred in late 2022 and related to illegally selling kittens, failing to provide sufficient food, water, and veterinary care to an animal, and causing the animal suffering through improper confinement.
Liudmila Petropoulos was convicted under POCTAA, sentenced to complete an unpaid Community Corrections Order of 295 hours lasting 36 months and is permanently banned for from being the owner or person in charge of any animal.
Mrs Petropoulos was also convicted under DAA, fined $10,000, ordered to pay costs of $162,268.00 to the RSPCA and animal care costs of $101,397.25 within 90 days, and further prohibited from selling cats or kittens and from conducting or working in a domestic animal business for 10 years.
Her Honour Magistrate Barling said animal cruelty will not be tolerated.
“This offending is very serious and must be treated very seriously by the court,” Her Honour said.
“[It] need[s] to send a message to Liudmila Petropoulos and to the community that this will not be tolerated and must be stamped out.”
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said she was pleased with the results.
“Liudmila Petropoulos has a long history of breaching the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) and the Domestic Animals Act (994), and we are pleased with this outcome which sends a strong and clear message that this type of offending will not be tolerated,” Chief Inspector Green said.
“Liudmila Petropoulos kept these kittens in cramped conditions, failed to provide them with sufficient food and water, and, once again, she withheld veterinary treatment from a sick animal; both cruel and illegal in Victoria.
“She is also guilty of multiple offences under the Domestic Animals Act (1994).
“Anyone in charge of the welfare of animals has an obligation under the legislation to provide food, water, shelter, appropriate living conditions and veterinary care to their animals.
“Anyone selling animals in Victoria must also follow the clear guidelines designed to protect Victorians and their animals.”
The relevant offences are covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Anyone found guilty of cruelty offences can face fines of up to $50,877.50 or 12 months’ imprisonment.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/who-to-call or by calling 03 9224 2222.
It’s estimated it will cost RSPCA Victoria more than $12.8 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.
