RSPCA Victoria: Campaigns & News / News Archive

The RSPCA Castlemaine Shelter opened its doors in March 2003 and over the last five years has provided care for over 3,000 unwanted and stray animals.

So to celebrate, we're having a 5th Birthday party at the shelter in Langslow Street on Saturday March 29 from 10:00am to 3:00pm

The day will start with a discounted micro-chipping service. You can ensure your lost pet's return, by taking advantage of the reduced fee of $25.00.

We will have a Vet on hand to give you pet advice while Colleen Carrabott, a very experienced and knowledgeable dog trainer to give a demonstration in the techniques of dog training.

Our Local Laws Officers will be there to help you understand the local animal laws and answer any questions from residents.

There will be a raffle, with first prize being a painting generously donated by Robert Nathan, well-known international artist, valued at $500.00.

The auction will be one of the day's highlights with items including loads of bric-a-brac and perhaps some undiscovered treasures. A White Elephant Stall will be run by the marvelous staff from the RSPCA Opportunity Shop.

But wait there's more, Dog Competitions, Sausage Sizzle, roaming musicians, tap dancers and loads of give-a-ways. A "weigh & worm" sponsored by Castlemaine PETstock.

"We may be one of the smaller shelters but one of the busiest shelters for our size”, says Geoff Hall, Shelter Supervisor, “we certainly handle a large amount of animals.

"The day is all about celebrating the great work the staff and volunteers do here. And to say, thank you to the local community for their support."

If you would like to visit the shelter on-line, go to www.rspcavic.org and click on Castlemaine.

“We hope that the whole family can come along and enjoy this fabulous fun day”, Geoff said.

A Noble Park man pleaded guilty in the Dandenong Magistrates' Court on Wednesday March 26 to two charges of animal cruelty and one of aggravated cruelty.

RSPCA inspectors charged Peter Guzs after he attacked a neighbour's Jack Russell Terrier with a golf club leaving the dog with horrific injuries and the young female occupant of the house traumatised.

Despite ongoing veterinary treatment the dog sadly had to be euthanased due to the injuries it received.

In April 2007, the daughter of the dog’s owner called police to the house when she observed Guzs in the backyard with the golf club. Guzs stated in court that his father, with whom he lived, was seriously ill and would probably not last the year and that he had been distressed due to constant barking of the neighbour's dogs.

The day before the attack Guzs had approached the neighbour and threatened to "kill the dogs" if the neighbour didn't stop the dogs from barking.

Guzs was convicted of beating the dog and causing the dog's death. He was sentenced to four months imprisonment to be served by way of an intensive corrections order and ordered to pay $2,120.00 restitution to the dog's owner.

TV viewers would have noticed that some of their favourite television shows were missing in the last couple of weeks as the networks headed into the Easter non-ratings period.

One of those shows to be given an Easter break was RSPCA Animal Rescue on HSV Channel 7.

This raffle was drawn on the 7th of March 2008 at 12.00pm by an independent auditor as per the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation conditions (permit number 11085/07). All prize winners have been notified and they will be officially presented with their prizes at the RSPCA All Creatures Open Day on Sunday 16th March at RSPCA Burwood East.

Winners names will be published in the Herald Sun on the 18th of March, 2008 as per the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation conditions (permit number 11085/07).

It is always sad when there is a need to euthanase any animal.

It is extremely disappointing however that some of the key facts of this case were not included in the media report.

Microchipping remains the best way to be reunited with your pet should they stray and become lost. If they are found and are taken to a shelter the owner can be contacted immediately from details on the microchip registry. In our experience the vast majority of owners collect their pets within a few hours of being notified of their location.

It is disappointing that in this case the two dogs were still not claimed 10 days after the owners were notified they were in our care.

Case Facts
Casey Council admitted two staffy dogs to our Peninsula shelter on Friday December 21. It is known that the two dogs escaped from a factory property where they were staying whilst their owner was on holidays.

Casey Council rangers advised that police had to use capsicum spray on the dogs to restrain them when they were picked up. The dogs had been fighting and one dog in particular required veterinary attention because of injuries.

The owners were contacted on the Friday, as the dogs were microchipped. The owner advised the Peninsula shelter that the dogs would be collected on Saturday December 22.

Unfortunately the dogs were not collected on the Saturday and no advice from the daughter or father was received as to why they had not been collected or when they would be collected.

As the dogs were not collected as arranged, a notice was sent in the mail to the address as listed on the Microchip register to advise the relevant timelines and responsibilities to collect the dogs. Including that RSPCA could only hold the dogs for the statutory eight day period.

It wasn’t then until Friday December 28 that the owner called Peninsula Shelter asking about payment, but no reference to when the dogs would be collected.

On Monday December 31, the dogs still had not been collected or any advice received from the owner. As it had gone past the statutory number of days they can be held for, the decision was made to euthanase them, as they were not suitable for rehoming due to their aggressive temperament.

The owners were given an additional 48 hours to reclaim their dogs after the statutory eight days had lapsed.

Casey Council called on December 31 and agreed with our decision to euthanase the dogs. They also indicated that they were going to put a ‘Do Not Return’ on the dogs because of their aggressive behaviour!

After eight days, unclaimed animals are health and temperament checked to ascertain their suitability for adoption. The RSPCA’s preference is that all stray and unclaimed animals are rehomed but unfortunately these dogs were not suitable for adoption due to their aggressive nature. It is dissapointing their owners had failed to collect them, even though they had been aware for 10 days that they were in our care.

Click here for some helpful information on how to help your dog overcome fear of thunderstorms, fireworks and other noises.

Equine Influenza had been detected at locations in New South Wales and Queensland. There is no evidence of equine influenza in Victoria at this time.

Movement of horses into Victoria from NSW and/or Qld is prohibited. Movement of horse vehicles, fittings and equipment into Victoria from NSW is prohibited unless under permit. A security firm is providing effective 24 hour surveillance on all border crossings between NSW and Victoria and will operate until further notice. Victoria Police are providing assistance.

Vaccinations commenced in Victoria on 01/10/2007. The vaccine will be used under permit for registered thoroughbreds. During the launch of the Spring Carnival, Premier John Brumby announced $2.2 million in programs to reinforce measures to help keep Victoria free of Equine Influenza and protect the Spring Racing Carnival.

There has been a lot of miss information about EI being present in Victoria. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT TRUE. Should EI be found in Victoria a stock standstill would be implemented immediately. This would be published on DPI website and SMS alerts sent via Australian Horse Industry Councils – Horse Emergency Contact Database. To register for SMS alerts visit www.horsecouncil.org.au

The public can access more information from the Equine Influenza Information Line - 1800 678 779

Any suspicion of equine influenza in horses should be immediately notified to DPI on the
Disease Watch Hotline – 1800 675 888.

More information relevant to the national situation can be found at www.outbreak.gov.au

The RSPCA is running a "Where are they now" article in our next newsletter. This article will feature pets which have been adopted from us with details on how they ended up at the RSPCA, followed by the progress they have made in there new home. Please send us your details and pet photos and you could be selected to appear in our Christmas newsletter! Read more

RSPCA Victoria recently held its annual Animal Welfare Seminar on the Dairy industry. To review some of the presentations made click here.

RSPCA Victoria believes that any slaughter without stunning is inhumane. We are appalled that the Federal Agricultural Minister Peter McGauran, has sanctioned this practice in the first place and now intends to allow it to continue while he undertakes a review. Read more.

The first series of the RSPCA Animal Rescue is going to air Tuesday 7.30pm July 17th. The stories featured on the show were filmed in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Read more.

Through Ritchies Community Benefit Card, $1 Million has been donated since the partnership began in 1993. Read More

Following reports of the mistreatment of animals and allegations of animal cruelty at the Mernda Saleyard Market, RSPCA Inspectors visited the market on Monday June 25.

Senior Inspector Allie Jalbert said sheep and goats sold at the

market were often transported in the boots and back seats of cars.

Inspector Jalbert said that it is inhumane for animals to be treated this way

RSPCA Inspectors issued advisory letters to people who were intending to transport animals in an inappropriate manner and warned offenders they would be prosecuted for animal cruelty if caught again.

Inspectors also visited the poultry section of the market and located two chickens with severe major infections caused by string embedded in their feet.
The two chickens were later surrendered to RSPCA by the owner, who is now being investigated for failing to provide veterinary or other appropriate treatment for the chickens' injuries.

A prosecution case involving an emaciated horse that was being transported from Strathfielsaye to Mildura in May 2006 concluded at. Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Thursday June 21.

The horse subsequently went down in the float and was humanely euthanased by the local Police Officer

The male defendant entered a plea of guilty to one charge of failing to provide veterinary or other appropriate attention or treatment to the sick horse.

The defendant was assessed for a Community Based Order [CBO] and sentenced to a four month CBO conditional upon him completing 60 hours of unpaid community work.

He was also ordered to pay costs of about $3,850.

A prosecution case involving an attempt to dock the tail of a pit bull terrier with string tied around its tail in Thomastown concluded at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on Friday June 22.

The defendant was given an opportunity to take the dog to a veterinarian and have the string removed and was issued with a Notice to Comply by an RSPCA Inspector. He failed to do so and the dog was subsequently seized under warrant.

The string was removed and the tail healed up.

The male defendant failed to attend at court for the first hearing and the matter was listed for ex parte on June 22.

The defendant was convicted on all charges. [Failure to remove the string with the result that unnecessary suffering was caused to the dog, failure to provide veterinary attention and failure to comply with a Notice.}

He was fined an aggregate $2,500.00 and ordered to pay costs of $1,970.00.

The Magistrate, Mr. Rozencwajg stated that the omissions were wanton cruelty and deserved a significant penalty.

27 Mar 2007: Just over five weeks ago RSPCA Victoria launched a Drought Animal Aid Appeal asking Victorians to help buy badly needed feed for farm animals across the state. Read more

The Bracks Government policy announcement to increase financial support to RSPCA Victoria over the next four years is welcomed.

In the last financial year, the state government contributed $300,000 [1.4% of our total budget] to the RSPCA inspectorate. The provision of an additional $700,000 each year [3.8% of total funding] for the next four years will greatly assist the 15 inspectors we have to cover all of Victoria.

Whilst this is important news in terms of RSPCA funding, it is still our challenge to raise the remaining 96.2% of our annual operating budget.

The funding will assist the RSPCA’s capacity to cover the cost of enforcement, animal rescue and to manage the increase in complaints.

The extra funding will also allow the RSPCA to recruit three additional inspectors across the state to help deal with the growing pressures of the drought and sadly animal neglect.

As the drought continues to impact across Victoria the RSPCA inspectorate has received significantly higher reports of animal cruelty to farm animals. Sadly, In February this year, we had a 45% increase in complaints to the same time last year.

The RSPCA congratulates the Government on its approach to animal welfare and its proactive funding initiatives.

29 Mar 2007: The RSPCA has issued a warning that giving chocolates to pets could kill them. Read more

Following an investigation that commenced in February this year, Julie Tilbrook was found guilty and convicted of 35 charges of animal cruelty in Geelong Magistrates Court yesterday.

Ms Tilbrook was given a Banning Order for five years from having any animals in her custody.

She was also sentenced to six months gaol wholly suspended for two years, fined $6,000 and given 28 days to arrange for alternate custody of all her animals including the 14 horses in the care of RSPCA Victoria.

When presenting his decision, Magistrate Ron Saines referred to evidence given by Veterinary Surgeon Dr Dwayne O’Brien when he described the condition of horses as being visibly and undeniably undernourished. Mr. Saines said, “I have no doubt about this.”

Mr. Saines said her failure to recognise the poor condition of the horses and failing to provide proper food, shelter and care was serious. He said that for a person who holds a degree in veterinary science, it is shameful.

When handing down his decision, Magistrate Ron Saines said there were factors, one of those being the “seriousness” of the case and that the seriousness was far greater because of the qualifications of Tilbrook. Mr. Saines also said she showed no remorse and that she failed to acknowledge the poor condition of horses on her property or the poor condition of the property itself.

All 14 horses seized by RSPCA in March have since responded to intense veterinary care and an intensive feeding regime and have been nurtured back to good condition.

Cases such as this are distressing for the RSPCA and the broader community, sadly in the last 12 months RSPCA Inspectors have responded to more than 12,000 cruelty complaints.

RSPCA Victoria is pleased with the result and hopes it sends a strong message to the community that there is no excuse for animal cruelty. Owners must to take responsibility for their animals.

Lara Veterinarian Julie Tilbrook appeared in the Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday May 29 for a contest mention.

Ms Tilbrook has been charged with 38 counts of alleged animal cruelty and will contest the charges.

Following the contest mention hearing on May 29 the Magistrate adjourned the case for a five day hearing to commence on September 3.

There will be a special 'contest hearing' on August 10 to ensure that the matter is progressing.

The magistrate has given an extension of the RSPCA seizure warrant for the 11 horses in our care until such time as a further court order is made.

All 11 horses in our care are doing very well.

RSPCA Inspectors today seized another four horses from the Lara property, as the owner had not complied with feeding instructions.

RSPCA Inspectors have continued to regularly visit the property to ensure that the horses are being properly fed and receiving veterinarian treatments as directed. The owner has refused to surrender these horses so we will continue to monitor the health of her animals and if she fails to provide proper care we will continue to apply for further seizure warrants.

The four horses have now been relocated to another property where they will be cared for by RSPCA staff and volunteers.

RSPCA Inspectors will continue to visit the property to monitor the condition of the remaining horses.

The RSPCA is proceeding with the prosecution of this owner.

RSPCA Victoria seized seven horses from a Lara property on Thursday afternoon, March 1 .

This came as a result of regular monitoring of the feeding regime of the horses by the RSPCA accompanied by an independent equine veterinarian.

The owner of the property was instructed to provide feed to horses on her property, however with regular monitoring, it was found that she had failed to comply with the notice issued to provide sufficient feed.

The RSPCA obtained a warrant and inspectors attended the property to seize the horses.

The horses have been relocated by the RSPCA where they are monitored daily, veterinary checked and given appropriate feed.

A summons was also delivered on Thursday March 1 to Ms Julie Tilbrook, the owner of the horses for Mention in the Geelong Court on April 2. The summons listed 17 charges of cruelty to horses including causing pain and suffering and failing to comply with the notice issued on Thursday February 15.

An RSPCA Inspector has been visiting the property on a daily basis to ensure the feeding of the horses continues. We will continue to visit the property to ensure the welfare of the remaining horses.

RSPCA Victoria hopes one of the outcomes of the prosecution is a banning order that would prevent her from having any animals in her care.

Lara Horses – Update Tuesday February 27

An RSPCA Inspector visited the property yesterday and will again visit today accompanied by a specialist equine veterinarian.

The horses are being fed pellets and hay. RSPCA Inspectors will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the feeding continues. If the owner stops following the instructions to feed and provide veterinarian treatment we would then have legal grounds to seize the horses. The welfare of the horses is our priority.

RSPCA Victoria is proceeding with prosecuting the owner and hopes one of the outcomes is a banning order that would prevent her from having any animals in her care.

Lara Horses – Update Thursday February 22

An RSPCA Inspector visited the property at 2.00pm today accompanied by an independent equine veterinarian.

It was reported that there was evidence that the horses are being fed and they are in a stable condition. The horses had been fed pellets and there is plenty of hay available for the horses.

In response to RSPCA advice, the owner of the property has cleaned up the yards and ensured that all water points are operating satisfactorily.

A notice was issued to the owner to commence a worming program for the horses.

Whilst the RSPCA is cautiously optimistic about the horses, we will continue to monitor and check the welfare of the horses.

This matter is an ongoing investigation.

The RSPCA is doing absolutely everything we are empowered to do under the law.

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RSPCA distressed by condition of horses in Lara

Following a complaint on the condition of horses in a paddock in Lara, an RSPCA Inspector visited a property on Thursday February 15 accompanied by a Veterinarian.

On Veterinary advice the inspector issued a ‘Notice to Comply’ to the owner to increase the feed supply to an appropriate level for horses on the property.

The inspector revisited the property on Monday February 19 and noted that there was hay in the paddocks and the horses were feeding.

The owner was interviewed and advised the inspector that upon advice from RSPCA she had destocked by removing four horses from the property.

RSPCA inspectors will continue to monitor the horses and will revisit the property again later this week in company with an Equine Veterinarian.

RSPCA Victoria says it is outraged by cases like this, as it is totally unacceptable for anyone to let animals get in such poor condition. There is absolutely no excuse for owners who do this - not even in drought conditions.

RSPCA Inspectors find these situations very distressing, as would any animal lover.

Sadly, farm animals are the hidden victims of the worsening drought.

These are difficult times for us all but while we have to focus on the human suffering we cannot forget the suffering of our animals.

It must be remembered that Victoria has never seen such terrible drought conditions.
Many farmers and other individuals are really struggling and many have reduced their stock.

In these dry conditions, RSPCA Inspectors have received 20% more complaints of alleged animal cruelty in the last three months compared to the same time last year. The drought is a major factor.

RSPCA Victoria sees the widespread impact of the drought on our livestock as an urgent issue that must be addressed by the entire community.

More than 20 Million Victorian farm animals have been affected by the drought.

RSPCA Victoria is doing something about the effect the drought has on farm animals and only last Tuesday, February 13 launched a Drought Animal Aid appeal- an emergency fundraising initiative to help drought-affected farm animals in regional Victoria. For details on this appeal visit Drought Animal Aid

$3,000 FINE FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY

Mr. Jody Clare of Yackandandah was found guilty of one charge under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 in Wodonga Magistrates' Court on Wednesday February 7 in an ex parte hearing.

He was convicted and fined $3,000.00 and ordered to pay $4,016.00 costs.

The charge was laid by RSPCA Inspector Guy Gorman and involved cruelty to a horse. On August 17 2005, Inspector Gorman observed a chestnut gelding with a bloody growth extending outside the off side eye socket, the horse was shaking its head and rubbing the growth on its leg.

The District Veterinarian visited the property with Inspector Gorman on August 18 2005 to examine the horse.

A report by the District Veterinarian stated that in his opinion, it would have taken a number of months for the chestnut gelding s lesion to reach the size and state at which it was viewed. His report also suggested that by the size and appearance of the lesion and the behaviour of the chestnut gelding, the lesion was causing the chestnut gelding pain and discomfort.

Due to the inoperable state of the lesion and the fact that the lesion was causing the chestnut gelding pain and discomfort, the best course of action for the chestnut gelding was euthanasia.

The charge against Mr. Clare was for having possession of a sick or injured animal and unreasonably failing to provide the animal with veterinary attention.

RSPCA News Archive