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Woman fined $2500 after 'heartbreaking' find inside suburban unit

An RSPCA inspector was granted a warrant after his attempts to contact the owner proved unsuccessful.

The first sign something was wrong inside a suburban Western Australian unit was the “underweight” tiny black kitten pacing in the window and meowing loudly. Video shows the desperate animal poking her head through a hole in the fly screen after she was offered food and water.

No one appeared to be home when the RSPCA attended the Geraldton address in June last year. Several phone calls went unanswered. Concerned about the kitten’s welfare a warrant was issued, a locksmith was called, and an inspector entered the building.

RSPCA reported it appeared no one was living in the unit. Bodycam footage documents furniture stacked on a table, the fridge and cupboards wide open, food left on the kitchen bench, and the walls covered in scrawled images and pink paint.

Close up of arms reaching inside a sliding door to grab the black kitten, which resulted in a fine for the owner..
RSPCA inspectors attended a Geraldton address after a public tip-off, resulting in a $2500 fine for a 37-year-old woman. Source: RSPCA WA

After being seized by the inspector, a vet concluded the kitten was underweight. She was taken into the care of RSPCA, named Abby, and she has since made a full recovery.

Woman banned from owning animals by court

On Thursday, RSPCA reported a 37-year-old woman had been convicted under the state’s animal welfare act, after the court found she had failed to provide the kitten with enough food or water. She was fined $2500 and banned from owning animals for two years.

A still of the inspector photographing inside the unit.
An inspector documented stacked furniture and scrawling on the walls. Source: RSPCA WA
An open door, and pink painted walls inside the unit.
A warrant was issued to enter the home after the inspector repeatedly tried to contact the cat's owner. Source: RSPCA WA

RSPCA inspector Kylie Green said Abby had been totally reliant on her owner, and it was “heartbreaking” she had been left alone for an extended period.

“This case should serve as a reminder to pet owners — you must make appropriate plans for your animal’s care when you go away,” she said. “Arrange a pet sitter, book your pet into boarding, or, at the very least, organise someone to check on them daily, ensuring they have adequate food, water, and company.”

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