UPDATE: A woman has been sentenced for animal cruelty after police discovered her emaciated dog chained in her backyard, revealing a shocking case of neglect. Louise Kirkman, 33, of Glenroi, was sentenced on July 17, 2025, in Orange Local Court, where she faced serious charges for failing to provide adequate food and shelter for her pet, Betty.
Magistrate Gary Wilson issued a 10-year ban on Kirkman’s ability to own or care for animals after viewing disturbing photographs of the malnourished dog. “The photos of the poor dog tell the whole story,” Mr. Wilson stated. He highlighted Kirkman’s ability to maintain her drug habit while neglecting her dog’s basic needs.
The horrifying details emerged when police, responding to an unrelated matter on June 10, 2024, spotted Betty tied to a pole with wire in a dilapidated carport. The temperature that night dropped to a chilling 1 degree Celsius. Upon revisiting the property on June 15, authorities found Betty in the same dire condition, her ribs and spine prominently visible.
Police and a representative from Orange City Council intervened under the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act, seizing Betty and taking her to the now-closed RSPCA shelter. Kirkman admitted to only feeding the dog once a week over approximately five to eight years. A veterinarian assessed Betty’s condition, giving her a body score of 3/9 and diagnosing severe health issues, including dental disease and hip dysplasia.
Kirkman’s defense lawyer, Paul Johnson, described her troubled upbringing and ongoing struggles with drug use, noting this was her first animal cruelty charge. He mentioned, “Drugs play a big part of her life,” and revealed plans for Kirkman to enter detox by the end of the month.
Despite her difficult background, Mr. Johnson acknowledged the community’s outrage over the animal cruelty, stating, “The community at large would be horrified by her offending involving animal cruelty and rightly so.” He emphasized the need for deterrence for both Kirkman and others, reflecting on the significance of the case.
In addition to the ban, Magistrate Wilson imposed a fine of $2,000—$1,000 for each charge of failing to provide sufficient food and shelter. He expressed disbelief at Kirkman’s actions, stating, “You can count yourself extremely fortunate that you are not serving a custodial sentence.”
The case has garnered widespread attention, highlighting the urgent need for animal welfare enforcement in the community. As Kirkman prepares to confront her drug issues, the fate of Betty serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
This developing story underscores the critical need for vigilance in reporting animal neglect and cruelty, as communities rally to protect vulnerable animals like Betty. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation evolves.
