RSPCA Victoria Inspectors have seized a total of ten horses from an Ararat property on 25 February 2025 following a compliance check after the owner, Ms Christine Weisheit, was disqualified for five years from owning or being in charge of more than five horses in November 2024 by the County Court of Victoria.

The ten horses were 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, most recently seizing 53 cats from the property.

This seizure is the third time she has breached a court order regarding the number of animals in her care.

In 2023 Ms Weisheit was convicted, after many years of court proceedings, of animal cruelty charges related to horses and was disqualified for life from being the owner or person in charge or any horse.

Ms Weisheit appealed this decision and in November 2024 in the County Court of Victoria, the matter was finalised with Ms Weisheit convicted, placed on a Good Behaviour Bond and disqualified from being the owner or person in charge of no more than five horses for five years

This seizure brings the total number of animals seized from this repeat animal cruelty offender to almost 400.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the scale of repeat offending was shocking.

“Over the course of more than a decade RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate has now seized almost 400 animals from this one individual,” Chief Inspector Green said.

“Her blatant disregard for court orders comes at a steep cost, not only financially to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate and others assisting in rescuing and caring for these animals, but also the suffering these animals have experienced.

“None of the hundreds of animals over the last 10 years have deserved the treatment they’ve experienced, and serial offending like this must be stopped.

“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.

“I would like to commend our Inspectors for their perseverance and commitment to the welfare of the animals affected throughout multiple investigations.

“We’d also like to acknowledge and thank Victoria Police for their assistance regarding this matter.”

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.

Agriculture Victoria have advised that from 7 February 2025 HomeSafeID is no longer licenced under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to keep and maintain an animal (microchip) registry service for Victorian pet owners.

If your pet’s microchip was registered with HomeSafeID, Agriculture Victoria has information on their website on what you need to do now.

If you are unsure if your pet’s microchip was registered with HomeSafeID, you can visit petaddress.com.au, enter the microchip number and it will let you know which database it’s registered to.

Any questions regarding this matter can be directed to Agriculture Victoria by calling ph: 13 61 86.

RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk will return to communities across Victoria in 2025 to raise vital funds for animals across Australia on Sunday, 25 May, however after more than 30 fantastic years, this year will be the last lap nationally for Million Paws Walk.

RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker explained the funds raised at every walk would help end animal cruelty, and this final walk will be one to remember.

“Everyone has such a fantastic time at Million Paws Walk, and we’re very excited to see all the amazing dogs with their families and friends again as we send the event off in style,” Dr Walker said.

“We appreciate some people may be disappointed to hear this will be the final lap for Million Paws Walk, however the sheer logistical effort involved in running events on this scale, continually increasing event costs, and the cost-of-living pressures on supporters, means the event is no longer able to provide what it once could – maximum funding to help end cruelty to animals.

“While this will be the final walk, the money raised will help us care for the thousands of animals coming into our shelter every year, including those rescued by our Inspectors.

“The cost of caring for the animals rescued by our Inspectorate is increasing every year, and your support is more vital than ever.”

More than 6,000 people and around 9,000 dogs are expected to participate in six Million Paws Walk events across Victoria this year and the RSPCA is looking forward to celebrating with its supporters and finding new opportunities for the public to help animals in need.

Locals interested in volunteering or businesses interested in running a vendor stall at this year’s Melbourne Million Paws Walk can register at MPW@rspcavic.org.au or 03 9224 2564.

Registrations for participants at Million Paws Walk are now open, with a ‘barking-mad’ discount of 60% available until 7 April.

Head to millionpawswalk.com.au to register for your local walk and start fundraising today!

The Melbourne Million Paws Walk will be at Pelican Lawn on Albert Park Lake on Sunday, 25 May. The event will start at 10:00 am, with the walk commencing at 12:00 pm and festivities concluding at 3:00 pm.

Nine of Victoria’s animal shelters, led by RSPCA Victoria, have joined forces for ‘Mission Adoptable’ – a three-day adoption drive this weekend (21, 22, 23 February) to find nearly 600 animals their forever homes.

With adoption fees reduced to $50 for cats, kittens, dogs and puppies, and $20 for small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs, the participating shelters hope plenty of Victorians find their new furry friend.

Speaking about ‘Mission Adoptable’, RSPCA Victoria’s Head of Operations, Tanya Drakopoulos said pressure on the state’s animal shelters has continued to rise in recent years.

“Between increasing operational costs, the cost-of-living crisis, and fewer reclaims of lost pets, many Victorian animal shelters are finding themselves at capacity more often than not,” Ms Drakopoulos said.

“When our shelters are full it puts a strain on our staff and volunteers, as they have less time to dedicate to each animal.

With more than 1,400 animals in participating shelters not yet ready for adoption, finding forever homes for animals that are ready, will create space for incoming animals that are in desperate need of care and rehoming.

“As part of Mission Adoptable we have animals of different ages and sizes ready and waiting, with shelter teams available to ensure each one is the perfect match for your home.”

While adoption fees will be drastically reduced, normal adoption procedures for each participating shelter will apply to ensure each animal is matched with the right family.

All animals available for adoption are desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped, saving new owners hundreds of dollars.

“We make sure that animals are health and behaviour-checked so that we can give every adoption the best possible chance of a successful match,” Dr Jessica Wilde, Director of Veterinary Services at The Lost Dogs’ Home said.

Animals bring so much joy to their owners, and with 1.4 million Victorian households owning a pet^[1], Mission Adoptable is an opportunity for more Victorians to find their perfect match this weekend, and welcome amazing animals into their lives.

Other important information:

Mission Adoptable adoption rates are only valid at the participating shelters listed below (NOT Petbarn stores):

• RSPCA Victoria (Burwood and Pearcedale)
• The Lost Dogs’ Home
• Bendigo Animal Relief Centre
• Shepparton Animal Shelter
• Australian Animal Protection Society
• Animal Aid
• Greyhound Adoption Program
• Geelong Animal Welfare Society
• Wat Djerring Animal Facility

Animals such as birds and horses are not included in Mission Adoptable.

Animals who are normally $20 or less to adopt, will remain at their usual lower price during this promotion.

To find out more and find a participating shelter near you visit: rspcavic.org/mission-adoptable

[1] https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/1000846/Victorian-Pet-Census_Report.pdf