By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A “CHAOTIC” animal rescuer has been largely banned from keeping animals for two and a half years after unhealthy chickens and carcasses were found at her Cranbourne East property.
Wendy Mankelow’s rented “farm area” contained up to 300 chickens and duck, many in “ill health”, “lethargic” and “lacking feathers” during a Casey Council inspection in late 2013, a court was told on Monday.
The inspection uncovered four unregistered cats, 12 dogs, guinea pigs, five sheep, nine goats and an alpaca, according to a Casey prosecutor.
A chicken, which had a facial affliction and pus running from its eyes, needed immediate treatment, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court was told.
Poultry were found in cages without drinking water, stale feed and dwelling within three metres of Mankelow’s home.
The next day, one of the unregistered dogs was impounded after being found roaming on Ballarto Road.
In January 2014, a follow-up inspection by Casey and RSPCA officers found 15 dogs, four cats and “multiple” chicken carcasses – including a decomposing body in an animal trap.
Mankelow pleaded guilty to failing to treat an animal’s injury, pain and suffering, multiple charges of keeping unregistered animals, exceeding animal permit numbers and having an unregistered dog at large.
Defence lawyer David Risstrom told the court Mankelow – who had moved to Gippsland – was someone who “rescues animals, saves animals but keeps them chaotically”.
The accused – a disability pensioner with bipolar depression – was pitching in $40 a week to care for the animals, Mr Risstrom said.
As part of her role, she had received a “collection” of unregistered cats and dogs.
Mr Risstrom said the law favoured “indifference”, declaring those who “turned a blind eye” as legally safe.
“In my experience, the overwhelming response is of no interest. Animals just die because no-one raises a finger for them.
“It’s the people who do raise a finger and don’t do it properly who carry the risk.”
The lawyer said the RSPCA made a statement declaring there were no welfare concerns.
“There’s been widespread infection of poultry throughout Victoria, so this isn’t a unique issue,” Mr Risstrom said.
“(Mankelow) does the job of a refuge but doesn’t do it (well) enough.
“She certainly helps a lot of animals, some she doesn’t help well enough.”
Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said Mankelow could face jail given the serious charges and her similar prior convictions over the past 20 years.
“For her not to have anything to do with animals would not be a bad thing.”
He convicted and fined Mankelow $5000.
The accused and Casey Council agreed she would not keep animals for 30 months except for a cat and a dog – both desexed and registered.
The council declined to enforce court costs on Mankelow.
