A South Australian woman previously convicted of animal cruelty will face court tomorrow after being charged with breaching a court order that limited the number of dogs she was allowed to have.
Kerrie Fitzpatrick, 48, was handed a suspended jail sentence in August after being found guilty of 16 animal cruelty offences for keeping 300 dogs on a breeding farm in horrific conditions.
As part of her sentence, she was given a $500 good behaviour bond for three years, ordered to not have any dogs other than her two pets at the time, and told not to sell any animals.
In October, the RSPCA raided Fitzpatrick’s property in Lewiston, on the far northern outskirts of Adelaide, and seized 86 dogs and puppies that were allegedly in her care.
“Ms Fitzpatrick has been on our radar for some time, and this is an example of RSPCA South Australia performing its duty of care and actively enforcing prohibition orders,” RSPCA South Australia’s Chief Inspector Andrew Baker said in October.
“Ms Fitzpatrick was on the premises yesterday and we will be alleging that she is the sole owner of the property and that the dogs were in her custody, which puts her in breach of her court order.”
Fitzpatrick is due to face the Elizabeth Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Before her sentencing in August, the court heard Fitzpatrick had multiple convictions in Victoria, where she was handed a 10-year ban on working as a breeder before she moved to South Australia to do the same thing.
“If there was anyone who should have been obsessed about not being involved in a dog-selling business, it was you,” Magistrate Karim Soetratma said.
A Shivering Pup’s Second Chance: The Riveting Water Tunnel Rescue
On the fateful day of July 11, an emotional rollercoaster unfolded, triggering a rapid response from both firefighters and dedicated RSPCA personnel. Their mission? To rescue a distressed dog from a perilous situation that sent shockwaves through the community.
The clock struck 2:45 PM when these heroes arrived on the scene, their hearts resolute to save the helpless pup.
Trapped and frightened, the dog had no means to break free, but the arrival of these devoted rescuers signaled a glimmer of hope in the midst of despair. Their meticulous efforts would pave the way for the triumphant liberation of the trembling canine, offering it the warmth and care it craved.
The rescue operation was a true spectacle, featuring a symphony of ladders, teamwork, and unwavering determination. These courageous souls worked tirelessly until the shivering dog was finally set free from its harrowing ordeal. Following this remarkable rescue, the dog found itself in the loving care of the Woodside RSPCA Animal Centre, where plans were set in motion to reunite the pup with its rightful owner.
As the firefighters and RSPCA heroes arrived at the scene, their hearts sank at the sight that greeted them—a weary, shivering dog submerged in the frigid waters of the culvert. It was evident that this loyal companion had endured an agonizing ordeal for far too long.
With the tender care and support provided by the Woodside RSPCA Animal Centre and the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Loughborough Station, the dog was extracted from its dire predicament with utmost care and precision, immediately wrapped in warmth and comfort.
The Castle Donington Fire Station shared their feelings about the rescue, saying, “When we reached the scene, our hearts sank as we found the dog shivering in the cold water running through the culvert. It was clear that the poor pup had been there for quite some time. So with immense care and help from the Woodside RSPCA Animal Centre and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Loughborough Station, we carefully extricated the dog from the culvert, providing immediate comfort and warmth. With RSPCA assistance, we made sure that this brave little soul was reunited with its owner.”
The intense rescue mission reached its conclusion around 3:20 PM, as confirmed by the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
This incident carries a poignant message for all dog owners, serving as a reminder to exercise caution when their beloved pets are in the vicinity of water bodies. The Castle Donington Fire Station underscored the importance of pet microchipping and discouraged individuals from venturing into the water to rescue their pets. Instead, they encouraged people to reach out to emergency services for assistance.
The touching rescue of the shivering dog from the water tunnel is a testament to the unwavering dedication and compassion of those who labored relentlessly to ensure the safety and well-being of this four-legged friend.
Leave a Reply