Moree Brother and Sister Convicted of Animal Cruelty after 79 Cats Found Within Squalid Home, Some Confined in Plastic Containers Posted on September 25, 2024 A 55-year-old man and 52-year-old woman from Moree have been convicted of seven animal cruelty offences, including committing an act of cruelty on 79 cats, failing to provide veterinary treatment to multiple cats for various veterinary conditions, and confining eight cats in cages that were inadequate for exercise. Both defendants pleaded guilty at Moree Local Court. The female defendant was sentenced to concurrent 12- month and 6-month Conditional Release Orders and the male co-defendant was sentenced to one 6-month Conditional Release Order. The pair were disqualified from purchasing, acquiring, taking possession or custody of animals or keeping or participating in keeping animals for a period of five years and each were ordered to dispose of any other animals in their care within 28 days. In addition, the defendants were required to forfeit five cats not previously surrendered into the care of RSPCA NSW and vet treatment and shelter costs totalling $23,937.17 were also awarded to RSPCA NSW. One of the eight cats found inside plastic tubs at the defendants’ property. RSPCA NSW Inspectors attended a property in the Moree area after receiving a cruelty complaint regarding several cats allegedly living in unhygienic conditions and confined in small containers. Upon arriving at the property, RSPCA NSW Inspectors spoke to the defendants who admitted that they had accumulated too many cats. Inspectors initially saw over 60 cats at the property, with 12 females observed to be separated into cat carriers to ‘avoid breeding.’ Inspectors attempted to work with the defendants to stagger the surrender of cats, and provided several large bags of cat food, multiple large bags of cat litter, and several packets of flea and worm treatment to the defendants at no cost to ensure the cats could be cared for while space at an RSPCA NSW location was made available. Over several months, as more shelter space became available, Inspectors continued to contact the defendants to further reduce the number of cats in their care, but that offer was refused on each occasion. After months of trying to work with the owners to reduce the cat population and improve conditions for the cats on the premises, it was determined to commence an operation to inspect each cat, examine them and ultimately seize those cats requiring veterinary treatment. Image depicting the conditions for the cats confined within the plastic tubs On 14 February 2024, a search warrant was executed by RSPCA NSW Inspectors in company with RSPCA NSW shelter staff, animal transport officers, and veterinarians. Local Fire and Rescue were called to check the oxygen levels within the dwelling and PPE was recommended to be worn by staff to enter the premises safely, because of high levels of ammonia from the urine and faeces coming from within the home was so strong it could be smelt from the street. RSPCA NSW personnel who entered the house experienced burning of the eyes and throat, headache, and nausea from the overwhelming smell. Inspectors determined that the living conditions caused significant suffering and distress. Eight cats were found on the premises confined in plastic tubs measuring no more than 30cm high x 52cm long x 39cm wide. These did not provide adequate room for the cats to move around, and some were littered with urine and faeces. “After only a brief time in the house, my eyes started to burn and water,” said an attending RSPCA NSW Vet. “All windows were closed and there was no ventilation. Given the struggles I had only being in the house for a short time, the ammonia levels likely caused burning to the airways and the eyes of the cats, causing not only physical pain, but also emotional distress.” In total, 79 cats were seized from the property and immediately taken to an RSPCA NSW veterinary hospital for ongoing assessment, treatment, and care. During veterinary examination, it was noted that the cats had various medical issues that were sustained from their unhygienic and crowded living conditions. The following was observed: The living conditions were unhygienic, overcrowded and displayed poor animal husbandry; 8 cats were found contained to housing that was insufficient to meet the activity levels; 51 cats required treatment for dental disease;. 31 cats required treatment for Otitis Externa, of which some cats also had ear mites;. 2 cats suffered from hookworm;. 1 kitten that was positive for hookworm was also positive for coccidia; 1 cat had wounds behind his ears; 5 cats were underweight; 1 cat was missing an ear, and another had a ripped pinnae (outer ear) 3 cats were identified as having upper respiratory tract infections and conjunctivitis; Some cats had matted coats and 1 had hair loss on its back. Several tubs containing cats lined up outside the property “By nature, most cats are solitary animals,” said the RSPCA NSW Vet. “However, the domestic cat can evolve and adapt to live in groups if ample access to resources such as food and water, toileting opportunities, ample space for exercise and sleep and ample opportunities to hide or get away from other cats is offered. The cats confined to this house could not experience any of these basic needs. There would have been constant competition for critical resources and even space to sit and rest was limited due to the extreme overcrowding. Many cats confined to the bedrooms, cat carriers or to plastic tubs had no opportunity to escape at all. This feeling of constant confinement and having no ability to move away from each other would be a constant source of emotional pain and suffering.” During sentencing at Moree Local Court, the Magistrate said it was clear from the photographs tendered that the cats “were in a terrible state and required medical intervention.” Of the 79 cats seized, 22 were humanely euthanised. Each of the remaining 57 cats were successfully rehabilitated and rehomed by staff from the RSPCA NSW Hunter Shelter, with the final cat, finally finding his forever home last month after 182 days in care. WARNING – GRAPHIC AND DISTRESSING IMAGES are available for download here. All charges brought under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
