RSPCA seizes dozens of cats from animal abuser Christine Weisheit at Ararat property
More than 50 cats, including six kittens, have been seized from a woman in Ararat, with some underweight, ill, or skin conditions.
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A Victorian woman has been found in possession of more than ten times the number of cats she is permitted to own.
RSPCA inspectors found 53 cats at an Ararat property on January 16 during a compliance check with Christine Weisheit, who was disqualified for life from owning or being in charge of more than five cats in December 2024 at Ballarat’s County Court.
Six kittens were among the animals seized, and some cats were underweight, ill, or with skin conditions.
The seizure marks the second time Weisheit has breached a court order about the number of cats in her care.
Weisheit also has until February 20 to comply with a different court order from November 2024 forbidding her from being in charge of more than five horses.
On January 17, she was spotted at Warrak with more than double that number.
“I do not own them [and] I have no property,” she said at the time.
RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michelle Green said serial offending had to be stopped.
“RSPCA Victoria Inspectors have removed more than 380 animals from Ms Weisheit across multiple occasions dating as far back as 2014 due to offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,” she said.
“The cost of caring for the hundreds of animals seized from her over the years is staggering – having a significant financial impact on RSPCA Victoria, along with the suffering these animals have faced, and we will continue to hold offenders to account.
“Every animal deserves to receive the care they need, and people must follow any and all court-ordered disqualifications.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals was urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria online or at 03 9224 2222.
The RSPCA estimated its inspectorate would cost more than $10.7m to operate this financial year.
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