A 29-year-old Melton woman was convicted of six animal cruelty offences at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 28 August 2025.
Following a public welfare report, RSPCA Victoria Inspectors made several visits to a Melton property in early 2024 to investigate the condition of a blind German Shepherd, an adult cat, and three kittens.
Across several attendances, Inspectors observed the animals lacked adequate food, water, and shelter, appeared visibly emaciated, were scavenging through rubbish, and were ravenous when offered food.
During the investigative period, the accused claimed ownership of the animals and acknowledged the dog was blind and had not been taken to a veterinarian.
It was observed that the premises appeared in squalid condition with noted rubbish, household debris and other hazards posing serious risks to the blind dog.
After repeated non-compliance with Notices to Comply and an Intent to Seize, Inspectors obtained a warrant and removed the animals.
RSPCA Victoria veterinarians found all animals emaciated, dehydrated and suffering the effects of prolonged starvation.
The German Shepherd’s condition was formally diagnosed as a congenital blindness from bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia – a condition that requires specialised care.
RSPCA Victoria veterinarians said any reasonable person would have recognised the animals’ suffering and sought treatment.
“The conditions were hazardous and entirely inappropriate for any animal—especially for one unable to see.”
Magistrate Lesser convicted the woman on all six charges, imposing a $2,500 fine and an eight-year disqualification order, prohibiting her from owning or controlling any animal with compliance monitoring for the prohibited period.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector, Michelle Green, commended the actions of concerned members of the public who reported the unacceptable, prolonged and avoidable suffering toward the animals.
“These animals were left in unacceptable and unsafe conditions incompatible with their basic needs,” Chief Inspector Michelle Green said.
“The blind dog was particularly vulnerable, left hungry, frightened and navigating unseen hazards – this level of neglect was entirely preventable.
“The community are our eyes and ears when it comes to fighting animal cruelty and we’re so grateful that this case was reported to us before it got any worse.”
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/cruelty-report 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.
