By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
WARRANTS executed by the RSPCA, police and veterinarians found Troy Scoble’s dogs to be healthy.
The 34-year-old Blind Bight dog owner escaped conviction at a court hearing on Thursday 23 June, but was fined $2500 for keeping dozens of unregistered dogs on illegal short chains.
Four days after his court appearance Mr Scoble’s dogs remain on his property, but with no health concerns.
A statement from the RSPCA said eight police members, four RSPCA inspectors and two veterinarians checked on the welfare of 34 dogs on Monday 27 June as part of a joint operation.
But no dogs were seized in the operation.
RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker said that while she appreciated the level of public interest in the investigation, RSPCA Inspectors could only seize animals under the powers afforded by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTAA).
“As there were not sick or injured animals requiring immediate treatment on the property today, there were no grounds for seizure,” Dr Walker said.
All the dogs were found to be tethered in accordance with the code of practice.
Dr Walker said that the public scrutiny of this case highlighted the differences between animal welfare expectations in the community and the laws that RSPCA Victoria currently enforced.
“It’s clear that the community expects animal welfare laws to reflect the ‘five freedoms’ at a minimum, and they want to make sure that every owner’s duty of care to their animals is absolutely clear,” she said.
“We support government efforts to progress towards that goal, and are keen to keep having conversations with the community and with government lawmakers so that animal welfare legislation continues to improve.”
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is encouraged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org or 9224 2222.
