Woman kept animals in 'appalling conditions'

Martine Genet was convicted of serious animal abuse. Photo / Supplied

A Far North woman has been banned from owning animals for 10 years after a court sentenced her for hoarding animals in what the SPCA described as "appalling conditions".

The Manukau District Court also ordered Martine Genet be subject to detailed supervision and counselling.

Genet was prosecuted following a 2013 investigation in which SPCA inspectors discovered two cats, two turkeys, six chickens and a peacock living in filthy conditions without food or water at a property in Tokoroa.

In 2014, in Botany, Auckland, she was found to have kept five cats locked in her car without food or water.

Conditions of her two years' intensive supervision included not being allowed to possess, consume or use any alcohol or drugs not prescribed to her; to complete a psychological assessment and undergo treatment recommended as part of the assessment; and to not move house without the prior written approval of a probation officer.

It's not the first time Genet has been prosecuted over animal welfare concerns.

In 2006, she was disqualified from owning animals for six years after failing to get vet care for a seriously injured dog, and owning two kittens that had cat flu.

SPCA Auckland chief executive Andrea Midgen said she was pleased with the sentence as it was tailored to the offender with the aim of effectively reducing reoffending.

"Our challenge is securing meaningful sentences for offenders who have unacceptable attitudes or misguided beliefs regarding animal welfare," she said.

"When it's clear that education won't work and reoffending is highly likely then a sentence like this is appropriate.

"This sentence is a win for animal welfare. It's the first case where detailed supervision and counselling have been ordered.

"We hope this sets a precedent in encouraging sentences that give offenders access to appropriate treatment and supervision to prevent reoffending and save innocent animals from harm."