RSPCA Victoria has successfully prosecuted two people in relation to the housing of a large number of dogs at a property in Longwood.

Diane O’Mara and Brian Knight each pleaded guilty in Seymour Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Oct. 20) to multiple charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act relating to the housing and veterinary care of 71 dogs and a cat.

The court heard that RSPCA Victoria inspectors seized 71 animals, living in squalid conditions, from O’Mara and Knight’s Longwood property in June last year. All but 11 of the animals were subsequently surrendered to RSPCA Victoria and have since been rehomed. Four deceased dogs were also found at the property.

O’Mara and Knight agreed to a 10-year banning order on owning dogs, with monitoring, and with the provision to keep three companion dogs.

Magistrate Watkins ruled that the pair forfeit ownership of the majority of the remaining animals in RSPCA Victoria’s care. Three dogs will be returned to the pair, but must be microchipped and registered with the local council, and desexed subject to veterinary approval. The couple will also jointly pay costs of $7093.

RSPCA Victoria Senior Prosecutor Daniel Bode said the court ruling would allow eight animals that have been in Protective Custody Hold for more than a year to finally be rehomed.

“Today’s result is a reminder to all pet owners to consider the welfare of each individual animal in their care to ensure each has appropriate housing and receives appropriate veterinary care,” Mr Bode said.

A separate investigation relating to dogs seized from another Longwood property by RSPCA Victoria in June 2016 is ongoing.