The RSPCA has seized 13 horses and 24 cats from an Ararat property following a compliance check.
The owner was already banned by the County Court from keeping more than five cats for life and more than five horses for five years.
Inspectors found the animals in poor living conditions, with some showing signs of illness being removed for veterinary care.
It’s the fourth alleged breach of court orders by the same individual, with the RSPCA now having removed over 400 animals from this repeat animal cruelty offender over the last decade.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said repeatedly flouting the law and the continued refusal to provide appropriate care for the animals at the property was beyond belief.
“The sheer scale of animal cruelty at this property over many years is astounding,” Chief Inspector Green said.
“This person has been banned from owning or being in charge of more than five cats and five horses, and yet they not only continue to keep them and acquire additional animals but also mistreat and neglect them.
“As an organisation enforcing animal cruelty laws, we have done everything we can to stop the offending and animal cruelty by this person, but they ignore expert animal care advice, legislation, and multiple court orders.
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.
