Coldstream woman charged with animal cruelty offences after allegedly keeping reptiles in poor condition

A woman will face court after wildlife officers allegedly uncovered starving reptiles with missing limbs in dirty, small enclosures.

A Coldstream woman has been charged with 14 animal cruelty offences after she was allegedly caught keeping several varieties of native reptiles in poor conditions in July 2020.

A Coldstream woman has been charged after wildlife officers allegedly caught her keeping native reptiles in small, dirty enclosures, some without access to food.

Conservation Regulator authorised officers seized 19 animals from the woman’s property in July 2020 following a report about wildlife welfare and licencing concerns.

Officers allegedly found some of the reptiles living in poor conditions, emaciated or with missing limbs and digits, and took them to be assessed by a vet, with two of the animals euthanised due to their ill health.

The 24-year-old woman is accused of various animal cruelty offences relating to six lizards, a turtle, and snake by not feeding, housing, or caring for them sufficiently.

She has been charged with 14 animal cruelty offences and will appear before Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on October 12.

According to the Conservation Regulator, failure to provide adequate veterinary treatment, and sufficient food, drink or shelter are serious offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

In Victoria, pet owners face penalties up to $48,077 and/or 12 months in jail for animal cruelty and up to $96,155 and/or two years in jail for aggravated animal cruelty for each charge.

Conservation Regulator regulatory program manager, Port Phillip Region Andrew Johnstone said: “It is a privilege to keep wildlife as pets in Victoria and it is a serious offence to neglect an animal and fail to provide it with appropriate veterinary attention, food and housing to keep it safe and healthy.”