A 48-year-old St Albans woman pleaded guilty to multiple animal cruelty offences at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 17 November 2025.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended the woman’s St Albans property after receiving a report from a member of the public regarding welfare concerns for an American Staffordshire Bull Terrier–type dog.
Inspectors found an emaciated dog confined in an outdoor enclosure with its ribs, hips and spine clearly visible, as well as with ulcerated and weeping sores on its legs and pelvis.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors reported the dog’s enclosure was contaminated with faeces, saturated with urine, and lacked bedding.
The dog was seized immediately for treatment, where RSPCA veterinarians confirmed the five-year-old dog presented severely emaciated, with significant muscle loss, and infected pressure sores.
“The dog’s deteriorated condition was consistent with prolonged underfeeding and aggravated by a lack of appropriate bedding within an unhygienic living environment.” An RSPCA Victoria veterinarian said.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Robinson imposed a two-year Good Behaviour Bond with conviction, an $800 fine, and banned from owning or being in charge of any animals for 50 years, with the exception of one cat currently owned as a family pet.
His Honour Magistrate Robinson found the accused understood the difference between right and wrong and was disgusted by the suffering and seriousness of the inhumane conditions.
“It was disgusting what you put that dog through” His Honour said.
Monitoring conditions were also ordered for the duration of the imposed ban.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector, Michelle Green, welcomed the surrendering of the dog and said animal owners have a legal and moral obligation to provide adequate food, clean shelter and veterinary care.
“This was a gross failure in meeting the fundamental pet ownership responsibilities to provide adequate food, water, and veterinary care when required.” Chief Inspector Green said.
“The investigation, guided by the RPSCA Inspector and supported by the wider RSPCA’s Inspectorate and Veterinary teams, resulted in a vital intervention leading to the dog’s successful rehoming and second chance for a new life”.
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.
