WA woman banned from owning pets for 10 years
Kaylee Pearl Miller, 34, was also convicted of animal cruelty, fined $8000 and ordered to pay costs of more than $2500 after neighbours reported the situation to RSPCA WA in February. Two-year-old Flash at the property before being seized. Credit: Supplied
When an inspector visited the property, they saw a white cat confined inside the house, seemingly without access to food or water.
The inspector lowered food to the two-year-old cat named Flash through a partially opened window before using a ladder to enter the backyard, where they found a one-year-old American staffy named Adonis, with his ribs visible.
The inspector and other RSPCA staff members returned to feed the animals during the following days and saw no evidence that Miller had returned. The RSPCA obtained a warrant to enter the house and both Flash and Adonis were seized.
Miller told the inspector she had been going to the house to attend to the animals but had been getting in through a window because the door was locked. Adonis was seized by RSPCA WA. Credit: Supplied
In sentencing, magistrate Brian Mahon said Flash and Adonis experienced an unnecessary situation of neglect.
'Without intervention over a number of days by the RSPCA, they may not have made it,' he said.
'You enter into pet ownership voluntarily and you accept the responsibility. Miller was aware of her situation and overlooked her obligations.'
RSPCA WA inspector manager Kylie Green said the sentencing sent a strong message about pet ownership responsibilities.
'You can't just walk away and leave your animals without the care they need,' she said.
'Owners have an obligation to make sure their pets are properly looked after at all times, in all circumstances.'
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