RSPCA prosecutes cat owner over shockingly squalid conditions in house
A CAT owner living in this squalor in Adelaide’s southern suburbs has been prosecuted for animal cruelty by the RSPCA. The property was deemed not fit for a cat to live in.
A CAT owner living in this squalor in Adelaide’s southern suburbs has been prosecuted for animal cruelty by the RSPCA.
On Tuesday the resident pleaded guilty in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court to failing to provide appropriate and adequate living conditions for three cats found at his property — the exact location or suburb has not been disclosed.
The RSPCA seized the cats in September following a call to its 24-hour cruelty report hotline.
RSPCA SA chief inspector Andrea Lewis said the cats were in a poor physical condition when seen by inspectors.
She said they had high temperatures, dermatitis and respiratory problems as a result of their living conditions.
During the court case, the RSPCA sought a court order forfeiting all of the cats into its care for rehoming.
However, the magistrate ruled two of the cats could be returned to the owner under a RSPCA supervision order. The other cat remains in the RSPCA’s care and will be rehomed.
The owner was fined $500 but his name has not been released.
It is the sixth case relating to inadequate or inappropriate living conditions for animals to be finalised at court this financial year.
The RSPCA would not provide extra details on any of the earlier cases, but said four more cases were now before the courts.
Ms Lewis said in the past 12 months the RSPCA had received more than 1000 reports about inappropriate living conditions of animals.
She said the shocking conditions captured in the latest case are not an isolated occurrence.
“Sadly, RSPCA inspectors and rescue officers are faced with conditions similar to those in this case on a regular basis,” Ms Lewis said.
“They work incredibly hard to remove animals from these conditions, and to provide them with the care they deserve.
“If you know someone who is living in conditions in any way similar to those depicted, please contact SA Health’s mental health services to find help for the individuals involved.
“If you are aware of animals living in similar conditions, please contact RSPCA South Australia’s 24-hour cruelty report line.
“The sooner we are made aware of these situations, the better the outcome for the animals involved.”
RSPCA posted images of the squalid living conditions on its Facebook page.
The animal cruelty hotline is 1300 477 722, or make a report online at rspcasa.org.au.