A man who kept more than 150 cats in his home and backyard pleaded guilty on 21 September 2007 in the Adelaide Magistrates Court to 14 counts of animal cruelty. The court heard that the 14 charges related to 5 cats. One female, white short haired cat called “Trinity” had a broken back for 9 months, and despite being told by a Vet that the cat needed to be put down, nothing was done. The cat was also severely emaciated and dehydrated, suffered sores from dragging its back half around, had significant tooth damage and an elevated heart rate which usually indicates extreme pain. The 4 other cats also suffered emaciation and dehydration, severe eye infections and were infected with potentially deadly feline influenza.
One of the cats had also suffered a stroke and had neurological disease.
The man’slawyer argued that he was too ill to care for the cats, and although he made some attempts to help the ill animals, he admits it was his responsibility and he failed in his duty of care.
The sentence will be handed down in October.
September 24th, 2007
It was on 9 November 2005 that the RSPCA informed Police of an illegal cockfighting venue. As a result, glasshouses at Waterloo Corner became the focus of a joint initiative known as Operation Varuna.
Operation Varuna saw 13 Police Officers from the Elizabeth LSA’s CIB Tactical Unit, Operation Mantle and uniformed Tactical Teams join 12 RSPCA Officers with both organisations playing key roles.
“Our responsibility was to plan, coordinate and resource the entire operation, contain the cockfighting event and its participants, investigate breaches to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, evaluate evidence and launch prosecutions. The RSPCA’s role was to organise the search warrant, assist in the search for evidence, impound any seized birds and advise if there was sufficient evidence to proceed to court” says Detective Sergeant Danny Smalbil of Elizabeth LSA.
With only 3 days leading up to the 12 November raid, operational personnel had to act quickly and plan their strategy. Their first priority was to covertly enter the premises.
To avoid detection by any ‘lookouts’ the entry team infiltrated the property using an unmarked Tarago van, a vehicle often associated with those who attend cockfighting events. Occupying the van were Police Officers and the RSPCA Chief Inspector who carried the warrant.
Following close behind was the backup convoy carrying more Police and RSPCA personnel. Their role was to block the exit routes while the other officers made their way to the cockfight.
“With the covert van entering inconspicuously, it was important that the timing was spot on” explains Deterctive Sergeant Danny Smalbil.
“If we get there too early, we may have not had enough evidence to prosecute. If we got there too late, we would have evidence but run the risk of a lot of birds dying or being injured.”
“Fortunately the team arrived moments before the cockfight took place taking participants by surprise.”
Once inside the team was surprised to see how well organised the event was. The cockfighting ring was very well concealed, with all cars parked undercover inside the glasshouse. “They weren’t visible from the air or any other outlying area”, says Detective Sergeant Smalbil. “However, there was evidence to suggest that similar events had been staged in glasshouses on this property for quite some time.”
Earlier, it was decided that the officers would use powers under the Summary Offences Act to stop, search and detain those present. The offenders’ personal effects, cash and any other evidence was put into plastic bags and placed in front of them ensuring all evidence was gathered.
Detaining car keys was a critical part of the operation because keys found in participants’ possession linked them to vehicles where more cockfighting paraphernalia or birds may have been stored. This strategy also paid dividends.
“Not surprisingly, no one admitted ownership or possession of the 19 birds that were seized. This didn’t affect the outcome, in fact it made it easier for the RSPCA when it came time to dispose of the birds as they didn’t have to wait for the matter to be finalised in court,” says Detective Sergeant Smalbil.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the officers were able to prove that a cockfighting event was planned and staged. However, even being present at such an event is a convictable offence making all participants liable for prosecution.
The majority of the 25 people charged as a result of Operation Varuna have since pleaded guilty in court. Charges included ill treating an animal, possessing cockfighting spurs and being present at a cockfight.
The land owner and organiser received the heftiest penalty totalling close to $5000, with the remainder of the group receiving fines between $1000 and $1500. Other outcomes included the seizure of 49 cockfighting spurs, 19 cockfighting birds and an assortment of cockfighting and gambling paraphernalia.
“When we realised the magnitude of what we had to contend with, we enlisted the support of Police at Two Wells and Salisbury. The work of the RSPCA was also paramount to the success of the entire operation. Their knowledge was invaluable and their commitment was first class,” says Detective Sergeant Smalbil.
In January 2006, another cockfight was staged on the same property, this time at midnight. Another impromptu raid saw 10 people apprehended.
Following the hard work and vigilance of both SAPOL and the RSPCA, current intelligence now suggests that major cockfighting events have been displaced.
Operation Varuna has since been presented at a Performance Outcome Review as an excellent example of what can be achieved through joint agency cooperation and problem solving.
Article reproduced courtesy of Blueprint, official magazine of the South Australia Police.
(Addendum: The RSPCA subsequently conducted the 36 prosecutions associated with the above events).
September 19th, 2007
Spring is here, and while sunny days, flowers and footy finals are all a great part of this time of year, at the RSPCA it’s one of our saddest times.
The start of the sunny season also means the start of kitten season. Year after year we’re faced with the same, heartbreaking scenario; too many kittens and not enough homes. The solution is simple: desex your cats!
Last year was a record year - we cared for well over 4,000 kittens and cats, and we are desperate to decrease that amount this year.
We have already received four pregnant cats in the last week or so, as well as a number of kittens and no doubt this is a reflection of what is happening out in the community. Officers at our four shelters are bracing themselves for the weeks and months ahead, as days like today are perfect for cat breeding.
Desexing your cat is the best way you can help the RSPCA at this time of year, however if your cat is pregnant and you can’t keep the kittens or find appropriate homes, please do bring them in to our shelters - they’re obviously a lot safer in our care than being dumped which is inhumane and illegal.
The Society is also urging cat owners to make sure their cats are vaccinated, as breeding season is also the time when the deadly feline AIDS and influenza are most rife. Even if your cat is desexed it can still catch these diseases, so keeping your cat vaccinated and inside as much as possible is a great idea will help keep them safe.
Cats are also more likely to roam during this time, so identification is also vital. Why not get your cat desexed, microchipped and vaccinated all in the one vet visit?
Aimee McKay, Spokesperson:
“The message from the Society is to desex your cats immediately. These days of temperatures in the mid twenties are exactly the conditions cats like to conceive in. Desexing is actually a relatively inexpensive, simple routine that will be much cheaper than bringing up kittens, and regardless of costs, it’s just the right thing to do in terms of animal welfare. If your cat is an early starter and is already pregnant, or you have kittens that you cannot home, please do bring them into the RSPCA. We would much rather safe, warm cats in our shelters than dumped outside somewhere.’
September 14th, 2007
Today in the Elizabeth Magistrates’ Court, a pig farmer from the Mid North pleaded guilty to 3 counts of illtreatment laid by the RSPCA in relation to 3 animals. He was convicted on each count and fined a total of $1,500 plus ordered to pay court costs and veterinary expenses.
Earlier this year, RSPCA Inspectors attended his farm on receipt of a complaint about the condition of some pigs which had just been destroyed by the farmer. The Inspectors seized the bodies and presented them for autopsy where it was determined they had been suffering for some time from leg injuries. The RSPCA maintained that the farmer had a responsibility to either treat the animals appropriately or humanely destroy them sooner than he did in order to alleviate their pain and distress.
The RSPCA trusts that the new Animal Welfare Bill will soon be passed by the SA Government which will allow the RSPCA to routinely monitor intensive pig and poultry farms to ensure full compliance with the Act and relevant Codes of Practice. The Government has already announced its intention to increase funding to the RSPCA for the appointment of 2 more Inspectors.
The RSPCA maintains its opposition to methods of intensive farming which deprive the animals of the ability to express important natural behaviours and where the animals cannot be properly monitored for care and treatment.
September 7th, 2007
