A Lebrina man has received a suspended term of imprisonment following a significant RSPCA investigation into multiple animal welfare offences.
On 2 April 2026, Maxwell LOCKHART was convicted of 21 animal cruelty charges relating to multiple inspections and seizures by RSPCA Inspectors conducted across 2024 and 2025.
The offences included cases of severe emaciation, failure to provide appropriate food, failure to obtain necessary veterinary treatment, a horse that was required to be euthanised, and several dogs suffering from untreated broken legs.
Mr LOCKHART initially pleaded not guilty; however, following a sentencing indication, he changed his plea to guilty.
Mr LOCKHART was subsequently convicted of all 21 offences and sentenced to five months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of two years.
Magistrate Brown also imposed a fine of $10,000 and ordered Mr LOCKHART to pay RSPCA costs totalling $16,173.
Mr LOCKHART voluntarily surrendered the remaining seized dog into RSPCA care.
The Court further ordered that Mr LOCKHART be disqualified from having custody of any horses for a period of four years. In addition, he was disqualified from having custody of any dogs unless a further order is made, effectively amounting to a lifetime ban.
Chief Inspector Jayden STIRRUP said the case demonstrated a complete disregard for animal welfare by Mr LOCKHART, noting that numerous animals required months of extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
“Whilst the outcome for most animals was positive and resulted in being rehomed, unfortunately a horse needed to be humanely euthanised under vet advice to end its suffering. This case took considerable resourcing over a long period of time, and the penalty is certainly justified in the circumstances,” he said.
