Fiona McCoy and Daniel Murphy have been banned from owning animals for the maximum time allowed under the law and fined $10,000 each for a slew of animal cruelty charges.
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McCoy was sentenced to 300 hours of community service while Murphy was sentenced to 150 hours of community service due to his deteriorating mental health.
The pair faced the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court today where Magistrate Mark Stratmann handed down their sentence for the mistreatment of more than 70 dogs at their property in Wendouree.
RSPCA Inspectors will have the power to enter onto and spot-check any properties where Murphy or McCoy reside to ensure compliance with the orders made.
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Murphy and McCoy pleaded guilty to the charges in September this year and were subsequently assessed for community corrections orders and Mr Murphy undertook a psychological evaluation.
During his sentencing remarks, Magistrate Stratmann said the pair had perpetrated “serious abuse” against the animals and the court had a duty to protect animals that have no capacity to protect themselves.
“The legislation prepared by the Victorian Parliament is designed to protect animals from this kind of treatment,” he said.
“This court must support community expectations on how animals should be treated and the penalties are sever to reflect the importance of this.”
WATCH RSPCA PROSECUTION COORDINATOR DANIEL BODE SPEAKING OUTSIDE COURT