Repeat animal cruelty offender, Liudmila Petropoulos, was sentenced in the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Friday, 16 January 2026 following another successful investigation and prosecution by RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate.
Liudmila Petropoulos has been fined $12,000 with conviction, ordered to pay costs of $137,475.00, and is banned for 20 years from being the owner or person in charge of any cats or kittens.
Mrs Petropoulos was found guilty of nine counts of being a person in charge of a sick or injured animal and unreasonably failing to provide veterinary care under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTAA).
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green welcomed today’s sentencing after a lengthy court process.
“Liudmila Petropoulos has an extensive history of animal cruelty offences in Victoria, and our Inspectors continue to hold this repeat offender to account.
“Liudmila Petropoulos unreasonably failed to provide veterinary treatment to sick animals, which is both cruel and illegal in Victoria.
“All pet owners or persons in charge of an animals’ welfare have an obligation under legislation to provide food, water, shelter and veterinary care to their animals.”
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 $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 $12.8m to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.
