Tasmanian Woman Pleads Guilty to 22 Animal Cruelty Charges
Hobart, Tasmania – Karen Maree Blake, 67, has pleaded guilty to 21 counts of animal cruelty and one count of mismanagement of animals, following an investigation by the RSPCA Tasmania. The guilty plea was entered in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Details of the Case
The charges stem from a raid conducted by the RSPCA in December 2024, responding to a complaint regarding a large number of cats at a property on Hobart’s eastern shore. Inspectors discovered cats and dogs living in what has been described as “squalid” conditions ABC News, with some animals already deceased and others suffering from serious, untreated medical conditions.
A total of 69 cats and two dogs were seized by the RSPCA The Advocate. Unfortunately, some of the animals were euthanized on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering.
Palazzo Siberians and the Breeding Operation
Blake previously operated a cattery known as Palazzo Siberians, breeding Siberian forest cats in the Hobart area The Advocate.
RSPCA Response
RSPCA Tasmania Chief Inspector Jayden Stirrup stated that Blake’s guilty plea is a “positive step” in the legal process ABC News. Although acknowledging the tragic outcome for some animals, Stirrup highlighted that many of the rescued animals have been successfully nursed back to health and rehomed.
“While the outcome for some animals in this case was tragic, many of those rescued have since been nursed back to health and successfully rehomed,” Stirrup said.
Next Steps
Ms. Blake will return to court in June for sentencing ABC News.