15 July 2013

She was convicted on 24 counts of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and fined $2000 on each count. She was also issued a permanent prohibition order from owning any animals. The order also permits the RSPCA Inspectors to visit her property every three months to inspect the property and seize any animals found there. RSPCA was awarded $2780.75 in costs.

RSPCA Inspectors visited a property in Coodanup where a number of animals were found deceased and more than 70 animals were found to be living in unacceptable conditions. The animals included dogs, cats and kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.

Magistrate Edwards said that the woman's actions fell "only marginally short of those which warrant a term of imprisonment."

RSPCA CEO David van Ooran said, "Today's result is a culmination of many months of hard work by RSPCA Inspectors. "The RSPCA is pleased to see a permanent prohibition order imposed. This sends a clear message to the community that animal cruelty won't be tolerated".