09/02/2022
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Jail Sentence for St Albans Animal Abuser
A 51-year-old St Albans man was convicted and sentenced to five months jail afte
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Avian influenza: what is it, and how can you help?
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a serious infectious disease affecting poultry
Read More
Ballarat woman guilty of “appalling” animal cruelty
A Ballarat woman was convicted of three counts of animal cruelty at the Ballarat
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Ballarat Man pleads guilty to animal cruelty
A 53-year-old man from the Ballarat area was convicted of two counts of animal c
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Category / Media
Jail Sentence for St Albans Animal Abuser
A 51-year-old St Albans man was convicted and sentenced to five months jail afte
Read More
Avian influenza: what is it, and how can you help?
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a serious infectious disease affecting poultry
Read More
Ballarat woman guilty of “appalling” animal cruelty
A Ballarat woman was convicted of three counts of animal cruelty at the Ballarat
Read More
Ballarat Man pleads guilty to animal cruelty
A 53-year-old man from the Ballarat area was convicted of two counts of animal c
Read More
A 51-year-old St Albans man was convicted and sentenced to five months jail after pleading guilty to two counts of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 10 June 2026.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors received multiple animal cruelty reports after the man repeatedly struck a chihuahua, shaking it, biting its neck, carrying it by his mouth, and holding it upside down by its hind legs while yelling at it.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors executed a warrant at the property and seized two chihuahuas after finding each fearful and avoidant of the man, with one dog noted as extremely underweight and suffering from an obvious severe skin condition and physical abnormalities.
RSPCA Victoria’s treating veterinarian’s report said the animal’s suffering from prolonged neglect was obvious.
“[The Chihuahua] had severe skin disease and an overwhelming foul yeasty smell,” The veterinarian said.
“He had multiple musculoskeletal abnormalities with visibly misshapen paws and stiff gait, a heart murmur, and swelling below his jaw.
“[The dog’s] poor physical state would have been obvious and recognisable by a lay person.
“Failing to provide veterinary care … has led to his undue pain and suffering.”
Her Honour Magistrate Grubissa, sentenced the man to five months’ imprisonment and disqualified him from being the owner or person in charge of any animal for ten years with RSPCA Victoria Inspectors granted monitoring provisions for the full duration.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the offending caused devastating and prolonged suffering to a small, vulnerable dog entirely dependent on his owner for care.
“This was a very complex case involving both deliberate physical abuse and a prolonged failure to provide necessary veterinary care,” Chief Inspector Green said.
“Animal owners must protect the welfare of the animals in their care, including ensuring they receive proper treatment when suffering from obvious illness, injury or distress.
“The more vulnerable dog of the pair endured significant physical and psychological harm, and there is simply no excuse for subjecting an animal to that level of cruelty.”
The relevant offences fall under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986), and 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.
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is an infectious disease affecting poultry and wild birds in Australia, and across the world. Avian influenza has many different viral strains, some of which can infect humans and other animals.
In particular, the H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b) strain is highly contagious and causes serious disease. This strain of H5 bird flu has spread rapidly around the world and has sadly caused the deaths of millions of birds and mammals, including seals, sea lions, and penguins.
Unfortunately, H5 bird flu has now been detected in migratory seabirds in a number of Australian states. Australia was previously the only continent in the world to be free of this strain.
This is highly concerning for our wildlife, with one in six Australian birds already facing the threat of extinction, and the animals in our agricultural industries, with poultry highly susceptible to the virus and dairy cattle infections reported overseas.
Victorian context
There is currently no detection of H5 bird flu in Victoria, and authorities are prepared and ready to act if the virus is detected. Victorians are asked to stay vigilant and follow official advice. See more below.
Follow Agriculture Victoria on Facebook for updates and check out birdflu.gov.au for information about the situation across Australia.
What should I look for in wildlife?
In wildlife, the signs of bird flu can vary widely – some animals may die suddenly, appear weak or wobbly, have seizures, or trouble breathing.
If you see something unusual, don’t ignore it, and make sure to:
- AVOID contact with sick or dead wildlife, including keeping your pets well away from any sick or dead wild animals,
- RECORD what you see, including the number and type of birds/animals, as well as the location, time and date, and
- REPORT anything unusual via the:
- Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or report it to Agriculture Victoria via the website vic.gov.au/birdflu
- Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead birds of any species
- Report even one sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey (e.g., eagles, hawks)
- marine mammal (e.g., seal, sea lion, dolphin)
What should I do if I have backyard poultry?
If you have backyard poultry, to protect your flock and avoid potential spread of the virus if it arrives in Victoria, make sure to:
- Familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms and bird flu
If your flock is infected, signs will usually appear rapidly in multiple birds or across the entire flock, and can include:
- Sudden death
- Lethargy, incoordination, reluctance to walk, eat or drink, or an inability to stand
- Droopy appearance, ruffled feathers, unusual head or neck posture
- Head or limb swelling, bruising of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
- Respiratory signs (panting, nasal discharge or sneezing)
- Diarrhoea
- Unusual reduction in egg production
- If you notice any of the above signs, call your veterinarian or contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
- Prevent contact between your birds and wild birds
H5 bird flu can spread between wild birds and your flock. Restrict access to open water sources which wild birds may frequent, and keep feeding and water stations under covered areas that wild birds cannot access to reduce mingling or contamination of feed and water.
- Check Agriculture Victoria’s website and Facebook frequently
If bird flu is detected in Victoria, there may be restrictions put in place. Make sure to follow any official directives if bird flu is detected in your area. Now is a good time to check your housing set-up and make sure you can comfortably house your poultry for longer periods if required, including room for them to scratch, forage and explore, as well as ensure you are able to prevent contact between wild birds and your flock.
- Practice good hygiene and biosecurity
H5 bird flu can spread on contaminated materials. It is important to make sure you are practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly, cleaning footwear and clothes, and avoid wearing the same clothing if moving between your flock and poultry shows or other properties with birds.
Biosecurity measures include quarantining any new birds or birds you have taken off your property, limiting visitors to bird areas, keeping records of bird movements and your own movement particularly between farms, and regular and thorough cleaning of equipment, housing, feed and water stations.
More information can be found here.
What should I do if I have pet birds?
Bird flu has not been detected in pet birds in Victoria, however, pet birds are still susceptible to H5 bird flu. If you have pet birds, like parrots, make sure to:
- Follow the same steps for poultry where applicable, by familiarising yourself with the signs of bird flu, and following strict hygiene, biosecurity and quarantine standards
- Avoid all contact with wild birds
- Ensure outdoor aviaries or cages prevent wild birds from coming into contact with your birds, including via contamination from wild bird droppings
- Ensure water and food sources are covered to avoid contamination from wild bird droppings
- Contact your local avian veterinarian for advice on specific preventative measures or if you are concerned your bird might be showing signs of bird flu
What should I do for my pets (dogs, cats, small mammals)?
There are infrequent cases of dogs and cats contracting this strain of bird flu overseas, usually following contact with sick or dead birds, other animals with the virus, or through feeding raw pet food and unpasteurised (raw) milk. Make sure to:
- Keep your pets away from wildlife as much as possible
This may include keeping your dog on leash if there may be wild birds or animals around, particularly near bodies of water.
If you have roaming cats, consider transitioning them to being contained on your property. There are resources to assist you here.
RSPCA Victoria also offers a free pet behaviour helpline you can call if you need assistance with transitioning your cat to containment, or for general behavioural advice for dogs or cats.
If you have small mammals, such as rabbits, housed outdoors, ensure that their enclosures are able to prevent contact with wild birds, including food and water stations, and practice good hygiene and biosecurity by regularly cleaning bedding, flooring, housing, enrichment items and any other equipment. See more on tips for housing rabbits here.
A Ballarat woman was convicted of three counts of animal cruelty at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Monday 15 June 2026 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986).
She was sentenced to 45 days’ imprisonment, fined $3,452.44, banned from being the person in charge of any animal until 2042, and RSPCA Victoria Inspectors have been authorised to monitor compliance with the ban.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended a property in Ballarat after receiving an animal cruelty report from a member of the public and found two severely emaciated animals, a cat and a dog, with no food, water, or human available to provide care.
Both animals were immediately seized and brought to RSPCA Victoria’s Burwood East shelter for assessment and care.
RSPCA Victoria’s treating veterinarian said the animals’ poor condition was likely due to starvation over several weeks.
Magistrate Wardell described the offences as appalling.
“This is as serious as it gets, the animals were on the brink of death,” His Honour said.
“I don’t know how you closed your eyes at night.
“The callous treatment of animals that rely on her for sustenance is absolutely appalling.
“I need to consider general and specific deterrence, denunciation and community expectations.”
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green thanked the community for their support.
“We thank the community for their vigilance and support in helping animals live better lives and encourage anyone to report animal cruelty when they see it.”
This matter is now listed for Appeal in January 2027
The woman had previously been successfully prosecuted by RSPCA Victoria in 2022 on charges relating to the death of a dog in her care and was banned from being the person in charge of any animal until 2032.
Anyone found guilty of animal 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.
A 53-year-old man from the Ballarat area was convicted of two counts of animal cruelty relating to his dog under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 01 June 2026.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended a property in the Ballarat region in early 2025 after receiving an animal cruelty report from a member of the public and found a severely emaciated dog confined to a squalid pen with insufficient food or clean water available.
The dog was immediately seized and brought to RSPCA Victoria’s Burwood East facility for treatment.
The treating veterinarian found the dog was malnourished and weighed only 14 kilograms.
“[The dog was] in extremely poor condition and suffering,” the veterinarian said.
“I estimate she had been losing weight for at least 4 weeks before she presented to the RSPCA.”
“It would have been extremely obvious to a layperson that [the dog’s] body condition was abnormal and that she required urgent veterinary attention.
“Having no access to food is mentally and physically distressing for an animal and causes suffering.
“If [the dog] had not been taken into custody by the RSPCA, she would have starved to death on her own.”
His Honour Magistrate Andrew Capell said the animal “suffered significantly” as a result of the cruelty.
“There’s no doubt the animal suffered significantly because of your decision-making, and you buried your head in the sand,” His Honour said.
“With an animal comes responsibility, with an animal comes costs, with an animal comes vet fees and the reality that they tend to live less time than we do.
“That’s the reality when you have a dog; you received expert advice and should have accepted it.”
The man was convicted on both counts of animal cruelty, fined $1,500.00 and banned from being the owner or person in charge of any animals for seven years.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the animal’s suffering was cruel and could have been easily avoided.
“This dog was totally reliant on her owner for basic food, water, shelter and veterinary care and he failed to provide these essentials,” Chief Inspector Green said.
“You must provide this basic level of care for your pet; otherwise, they can quickly fall unwell and may not be able to recover.
“Animal neglect is a serious and painful form of animal cruelty, and we urge everyone to report cases like this so RSPCA Inspectors can open an investigation and intervene before it’s too late.”
The relevant offences are covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Anyone found guilty of animal 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.
