This petition is specifically for the RETURN of ZOE to her loving owner ANNA.

(Do NOT pay money to it, NOT asking for money)

People, we have to do something to STOP the horrendous abuse these organizations from the likes of RSPCA, PETA, ASPCA, SPCA, RNZSPCA and many animals "rescues" are perpetrating on all of us- people, who really Love their animals and these same animals who get Stolen, ripped off their families, chucked in a cold metal cells, petrified to death, very often killed after being poked with needles for no reason etc. This will be another petition, for now, please sign and

DEMAND the abusive RSPCA in Victoria - Australia to 

RETURN ZOE TO ANNA IMMEDIATELY

 

Anna Linton-Smith fronts Moorabbin Court to have her beloved dog released from the RSPCA
A woman has made an emotional plea in court for the RSPCA to release her beloved dog into her care after it was seized over welfare concerns.

Gemma ScerriReporter  
@gemmascerri 2 min read
July 12, 2024 - 10:35AM
Moorabbin Kingston Leader

heraldsun.com.au

Tearful dog owner begs RSPCA for her beloved pooch back

 

A Melbourne woman has begged a court to order the RSPCA to return her dog four months after her seizure. 

Anna Linton-Smith appeared in the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on July 11, accusing the RSPCA of unlawfully seizing her dog. 

The nine-year-old borzoi named Zoe was taken into RSPCA care in April after the organisation called her welfare into question. 

The court heard Zoe allegedly had a bad skin reaction from a medication prescribed by her vet, causing her to have ongoing skin issues, to lose fur and later develop a yeast infection in her ear. 

The RSPCA has alleged Ms Linton-Smith refused veterinary care for Zoe, resulting in the skin irritation and her poor health. 

With a warrant, two RSPCA officers seized the dog from Ms Linton-Smith’s home in April.

The court heard the RSPCA had not allowed Ms Linton-Smith to see Zoe, sharing just one photo of the dog in care, where Ms Linton-Smith claims she looked “highly distressed”. 

“They turned up and told a series of lies, saying she was in pain and discomfort,” she said. 

“They’re not vets, when they seized her she had been sleeping peacefully on my bed.” 

Ms Linton-Smith told the court she had been seeking specialist treatment for Zoe after she had a skin flare up, allegedly resulting from a common medication given to dogs for fleas and parasites. 

“I was bathing her around the clock with the specialist’s permission,” she said. 

“Her fur had been growing back and she had stopped niggling at her skin. I wanted to continue treatment, they’ve stopped me from doing that.” 

In an emotional statement given to the court, Ms Linton-Smith said Zoe was “very dear to her”. 

“She’s never been away from me, I’ve had her since she was born,” she said. 

“I’ve been sick ever since she was taken. It is disgraceful and unlawful.” 

The court heard Ms Linton-Smith had submitted a 100-page handwritten document to support her application, however, Magistrate Jan Maclean said she didn’t have the power to act on it. 

“The inspector has the authority to immediately seize an animal when they’re convinced the animal’s welfare is at risk,” she said. 

“Once a dog has been seized under a court-ordered warrant, I don’t have any power to do anything about it.” 

Ms Maclean encouraged Ms Linton-Smith to get legal advice before proceeding in the courts. 

“If you continue to make applications for Zoe to be returned to your care, you’ll have to go to the Supreme Court,” she said. 

“I understand this has been a very distressing experience for you, she’s a big part of your life.”

“I simply don’t have the power to return her to you.” 

Ms Maclean struck out the application. 

The court heard the RSPCA would likely make a further application regarding the future ownership of Zoe, where Ms Linton-Smith will be able to make her own submissions.