Another chapter in a long running Tasmanian animal cruelty case came to an end today.
In a prosecution brought by RSPCA Tasmania and Tasmania Police, Jocelyn Gaye Larkins was sentenced to gaol after being convicted of charges under the Animal Welfare Act:
- 1 count of Management of animals
- 1 count of Fail to comply with an instruction
- 1 count of contravene conditions of a Court Order
These charges relate to the treatment of horses by Ms Larkins on her property in southern Tasmania.
RSPCA Tasmania exists to protect animals by upholding our animal welfare laws, by advocating for improved conditions, and by educating the community on the role we all have to play in achieving better outcomes for animals.
RSPCA CEO Dr Andrew Byrne welcomed the court’s decision, which recognises the seriousness of this breach of Tasmania’s animal welfare laws.
“Our Inspectorate team at RSPCA Tasmania work very hard to bring forward prosecutions like this – and today’s result sends a clear message to the community that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.
“This was an extreme, and particularly sad case where our Inspectors had worked over a long period of time to resolve these issues.
“It is also heartbreaking for the staff and volunteers who care for sick and suffering animals, like the horses in this case.
“This is an example of the critical work RSPCA Tasmania does in standing up for animals in greatest need.
“I strongly encourage anyone that is experiencing difficulties caring properly for their animals to seek help before the health and wellbeing of animals is compromised.”
RSPCA Tasmania: Protect – Advocate – Educate
