RSPCA Victoria successfully prosecuted two females, ages 66 and 34, with one count each of animal cruelty in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 6 January 2026 in relation to the treatment of two dogs under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) following a cruelty report to the RSPCA from a concerned member of the public.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended a property and found two dogs confined to small metal crates without bedding and no access to fresh water, resulting in matted and urine-soaked coats and high ammonia levels from animal urine.
After the owners failed to improve the dogs’ living conditions, Inspectors seized both animals and transported to an RSPCA Victoria veterinary clinic for further medical assessment.
The RSPCA veterinarian’s report found both dogs presented with severe matting and deteriorating dental health, which was consistent with prolonged neglect and inadequate living conditions.
“Both dogs were subject to inappropriate living conditions… [with] no access to a fresh water source and were wet from urine,” the treating veterinarian said.
“A lay person should be aware that animals are required to have constant access to water and that being contained in a cramped cage soaked in their own urine is not an appropriate way to house dogs.”
Her Honour Magistrate Bazzani imposed a six-month good behaviour bond, ordered the dogs be returned to their owners with conditions they must not be kept in cages, with RSPCA Victoria granted authority to conduct inspections at any reasonable time.
RSPCA Victoria’s Chief Inspector, Michelle Green, said it is unacceptable and inhumane for not just one, but two pet owners to neglect basic care obligations.
“Animals must have access to water and space to move freely, and keeping dogs confined in urine-soaked cages is unlawful, let alone inhumane,” Chief Inspector Green said.
“Basic animal grooming and maintenance is a fundamental welfare need that all pet owners must provide and cannot be avoided.
“Neglect is not just about a lack of food, and RSPCA Victoria will always fight to protect animal welfare.”
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.
