Couple charged with new cruelty offences for alleged kitten breeding

Two Victorians have been charged with a raft of fresh animal cruelty offences after allegedly breaching orders in a landmark RSPCA case.

Con and Liudmila Petropoulos, from Ballarat, were prosecuted in March for illegally operating a domestic animal business after being caught breeding fake pedigree kittens, then selling them from the boot of a car at parks and roadsides across the state.

Many of the kittens died or were found to be ill within hours of purchase.

Con and Liudmila Petropoulos leaving Geelong Magistrates Court in 2019.Credit: Justin McManus

As part of their sentencing, the couple – previously from Melbourne's west and Geelong – were each prohibited from conducting or working in a domestic animal business for 18 months, placed on an adjourned undertaking to be of good behaviour for 18 months, and fined $750 and $500 respectively.

In July this year, following an investigation by The Age and animal welfare advocates Oscar's Law, the RSPCA executed two warrants at Mr and Mrs Petropoulos’ property in Ballarat.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said the state's major investigations team seized nine kittens due to further alleged breaches of the Domestic Animals Act, as the couple were allegedly failing to comply with the mandatory code of practice.

Both Mr and Mrs Petropoulos have since been charged with various animal welfare and cruelty offences relating to alleged breaches of animal welfare laws, including the confining of an animal that causes or is likely to cause unreasonable pain or suffering, and failing to provide veterinary or other appropriate attention or treatment for an animal.

Mr Petropoulos, also known as Kon or Konstantinos Petropoulos, has also been charged with a string of further alleged crimes.

These include: failing to comply with the mandatory code of practice, selling an animal in a public place, and offences relating to the advertising of animals for sale.

Kittens seized this year.Credit: RSPCA Victoria

Mr Petropoulos has also been charged with breaching an order that banned him from operating an illegal domestic animal-rearing business and breaching a banning order for working in an illegal domestic animal-rearing business.

Lisa Calleja, inspectorate leader of the RSPCA's major investigations team, said members of the public who made official reports provided crucial evidence that enabled the RSPCA to investigate this case, leading to the new charges being laid.

"We rely on public informants to provide tip-offs and information which legally enables us to investigate cases like these," Ms Calleja said.

"With the information we received from the public we were able to execute warrants, seize nine kittens and ultimately lay these new charges and proceed to prosecution."

Members of the public with information about any individuals selling animals in public places, or information about this case, are urged to contact RSPCA Victoria directly as soon as possible.

The sale of animals in public places such as parks, roadsides and car parks is illegal. Dogs and cats must be sold from either a registered domestic animal business, from a private residence, or at a place where an animal sale permit is in place.

The latest alleged breaches relate to charges laid by the RSPCA in 2018 that came under landmark new powers that allow investigators to obtain warrants to search properties thought to be housing illegal domestic animals businesses.

The Petropoulos charges were the first time those new powers were enacted and tested in court.

Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick said it was the public’s expectation that recidivist animal abusers were dealt with by the full force of the law if found guilty.

"The community will not put up with animal cruelty of any type," he said. "An example needs to be set."

Georgie Purcell, president of Oscar's Law, said she was relieved at the outcome and hopes that justice is served.

Reports made to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate can be lodged at rspcavic.org/services/tip-off or by calling 9224 2222.

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