Hobart couple who filmed dog’s savage schoolground wallaby attacks learn sentence

A Glenorchy couple who filmed their Staffordshire bull terrier mauling wallabies on the grounds of Dominic College have been sentenced for aggravated animal cruelty.

Trista Lee Mollross, 37, and Anthony Michael Blackaby, 46, both pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty relating to two separate incidents that occurred on 27 February and 7 March, 2024.

A Glenorchy couple who filmed their Staffordshire bull terrier mauling wallabies on the grounds of Dominic College have been sentenced to suspended jail terms in the Supreme Court.

Trista Lee Mollross, 37, and Anthony Michael Blackaby, 46, both pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty relating to two separate incidents that occurred on 27 February and 7 March, 2024.

Video footage of the attacks, taken from Mollross’s mobile phone and from school CCTV, was tendered to a previous sentencing hearing.

Justice Stephen Estcourt said in the first incident, Mollross and Blackaby had been on an evening visit to the Glenorchy school’s campus with their dog, Billie, when the pet began attacking a Bennett’s wallaby.

In video captured by Mollross, Blackaby could be seen holding the marsupial’s tail while both defendants offer verbal encouragement for Billie to continue biting.

After the couple posed for photographs with the dead wallaby, Mollross sent a video to Blackaby’s family members, saying “I didn’t think [Billie] had it in her … but she was savage”.

The matter was subsequently referred to the RSPCA, who contacted the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

The following month, Mollross made another late-night visit to the Dominic College grounds with Billie to film further wallaby attacks, including in the school’s children’s play area.

At one stage, Mollross could be seen stomping on a wallaby’s head before strangling it with one hand around its throat.

The following morning, Dominic College staff were made aware of a dead wallaby on school grounds and, after reviewing CCTV footage, reported the matter to Tasmania Police and the Glenorchy City Council.

“There are no relevant prior convictions and there are no significant mitigating circumstances,” Justice Estcourt said in sentencing.

“Alcohol and ignorance provide explanations of these egregious breaches of modern animal welfare attitudes and legislation.

“This case involved wanton and gratuitous cruelty. Both defendants are convicted as charged.”

Mollross was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 98 hours of community service.

Blackaby was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 49 hours of community service.

Justice Estcourt also disqualified the couple from having custody of any dog for 18 months.

Originally published as Hobart couple who filmed dog’s savage schoolground wallaby attacks learn sentence