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.
