A 57-year-old St Albans woman pleaded guilty to breaching her animal ownership disqualification conditions at the Sunshine Magistrates Court on 28 November 2024.

The woman had previously been found guilty of two counts of animal cruelty, including two charges of keeping an animal for fighting or luring purposes in 2021.

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended a property in St Albans after receiving a tip-off and found 35 chickens, including seven hens.

While the animals were found to be in good condition, she was still disqualified from owning or being in charge of any roosters or more than five hens for ten years.

The woman agreed to surrender all 35 animals to RSPCA Victoria.

Magistrate Mykytowycz convicted and fined the woman, warning of higher penalties for additional breaches.

“If you (continue to) breach (the order) the penalties will get higher and higher,” Her Honour said.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the initial disqualification order was fair and needed to be adhered to.

“Disqualification orders in Victoria are designed to protect animals from further cruelty,” Chief Inspector Green said.

“Any breach of a disqualification order is a serious offence, and we take these incidents seriously and will take appropriate action.”

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 $98,795 or 2 years’ 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 $10.7 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.