A Gosnells woman and her two sons have been charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty after inspectors found 38 cats and four chickens living in filthy conditions at their suburban home.
The RSPCA visited the property in February following a report of dozens of cats were being kept in distressing conditions.
Inspectors spoke to all three accused: a 53-year-old woman and her sons, aged 25 and 22.
The older sons told officers his mother was breeding Ragdoll and Russian Blue cats. The woman said the animals were cared for by all three of them but admitted she had only checked on the cats a few times in the past month.
At the back of the property, inspectors found dozens of cats and kittens confined in cages and pens of varying sizes. Some were stacked on top of each other under the veranda and inside a storage shed.
Many of the enclosures were filled with urine and faeces. One litter tray was so packed with waste and diarrhoea it was spilling onto the floor, leaving the cat with little space to move or lie without touching the mess.
Some cages had no bedding or water. Some of the cats appeared shut down or fearful. Veterinary checks later revealed many were suffering from poor body condition, infections, gastrointestinal illness and dental disease.
The four chickens, Isla Brown hens, were kept in a large coop. Inspectors found no clean water and a dry, dirt-filled bucket. Their only food was mouldy vegetables.
RSPCA WA alleged the woman was running a commercial breeding business for profit, with no regard for the health or welfare of the animals.
All three have been charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA alleged they failed to provide adequate food, water, or care, and kept the animals in conditions likely to cause harm.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
The accused are due to appear at Armadale Magistrates Court on July 25.
The RSPCA WA has urged anyone who suspects cruelty or neglect to report it 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY or online at rspcawa.org.au.
