15 June 2021

RSPCA WA has charged four people in relation to alleged cruelty to 11 cats.

They are a 52-year-old man from Thornlie, and a 47-year-old woman, a 72-year-old woman and 79-year-old man from Champion Lakes.

In April 2020, WA Police alerted the RSPCA to the squalid living conditions of several cats, discovered in a laundry at a Thornlie home.

On investigating the complaint, the RSPCA had cause to visit a Champion Lakes home to where it is alleged the cats seen by the police officer at the Thornlie property had been removed.

The cats from the Thornlie property, and others seen at the Champion Lakes property, were seized by the RSPCA.

Veterinary examinations of the seized cats revealed a range of untreated medical conditions. Most have since recovered following care and medical treatment by the RSPCA however, three cats collected from the property were euthanised on humane grounds.

All four accused have been charged with cruelty to animals under section 19(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and are due to appear in the Armadale Magistrates Court on 29 June 2021.

The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect. Report cruelty 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or online here.