Woodcroft local Rebecca Maree Carey hit with over $20k fines for animal abuse charges

A western Sydney woman has been hit with more than $20,000 in fines for failing to look after her eight cats and kittens properly. Here’s the latest from court.

RSPCA initially responded to a report of an injured cat. Picture: Generic/Supplied

A western Sydney woman has been slapped with over $20,000 in fines after being convicted for animal abuse related charges.

Woodcroft local, Rebecca Maree Carey, 42, faced Blacktown Local Court on Thursday, where she was convicted in her absence on three counts of failing to provide veterinary treatment to eight cats and kittens in her care.

Documents tendered to the court state on September 23 2024, a RSPCA inspector went to Carey’s address following a report of a juvenile cat with a leg bent in an abnormal direction.

However, the inspector wasn’t able to make contact with Carey and left the property, returning twice more on October 9 and 11 with similar results.

Eight cats and kittens were seized from the property. Picture: generic.

In between visits, the inspector was shown a picture of a white and black kitten at the unit with an open wound on its left forelimb, with the bone exposed and missing its paw.

By October 31, the RSPCA were granted a search warrant with two inspectors and NSW Police officers in attendance.

Upon arriving and getting no response after knocking on the door, the inspectors went to the rear of the property and found Carey lying on a mattress in the living room.

Inspectors and police entered the property and discovered several cats and kittens covered in fleas and many appeared underweight.

The RSPCA report stated they found the “house was dirty, and no cat food, water, or litter trays were sighted”.

When they found the injured white and black kitten, inspectors noticed it had no front left paw, the wound covered over and the cat wasn’t putting weight on the leg.

The cats and kittens were found living in horrible conditions. Picture: generic

Court documents state that Carey confirmed with the inspectors she was responsible for providing food, water and vet treatment, however she didn’t recall when the cats were last treated for fleas. She said the injured kitten was born with a missing paw.

The RSPCA seized the eight cats and kittens, taking them to a nearby vet for treatment.

Five cats were treated for severe flea infestation and three cats had flea dirt which also required treatment.

The vet found six of the eight cats had a body condition score of 4/5, where five is emaciated and one is ideal, based on the TACC Animal Care and Condition scales.

The matter was heard in the Blacktown Local Court. Picture: NewsWire

The kitten with the forelimb injury was treated for what the vet suspected was a “crush injury” that is “considered to have existed for a lengthy period”.

Since being seized by the RSPCA, all eight cats and kittens are doing well.

In court on Thursday, Magistrate Bree Chisholm stated it was clear from Carey’s absence in court that she “does not show remorse”.

“If you want to enjoy the luxury and loyalty of pets and the companionship they bring, you have to look after them,” Ms Chisholm said.

Carey was slapped with $8000 worth of fines, and ordered to pay the $16,329 in vet costs. She is also not allowed to buy, own or be involved in keeping any animal for two years.