A Melbourne mother allegedly tried to sell a human toe on the black market after a dog bit it off.
Joanna Kathlyn Kinman, 47, of Lilydale in Melbourne’s north-east, was charged with offensive conduct involving human remains last month after Victoria Police received a tip-off in February.
Police allege Ms Kinman was volunteering at an animal shelter, which cannot be named for legal reasons, when a dog vomited up a toe and other bone fragments.
Ms. Kinsman is accused of putting the toe and other remains in a jar with the intention of selling them online. Herald of the Sun reported.
The severed finger belonged to the dog’s owner, who had died of natural causes.
The dog is believed to have bitten off the dog’s toe before it was discovered and taken to the shelter. For legal reasons, the dog’s owner cannot be identified.
Ms Kinsman reportedly appeared at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. She has not yet indicated whether she intends to contest the charges.
Offensive conduct involving human remains carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
Joanna Kathlyn Kinman (pictured), 47, of Lilydale in Melbourne’s north-east, was charged with offensive conduct involving human remains last month after Victoria Police received a tip-off in February.
Police allege Ms Kinman was volunteering at an animal shelter, which cannot be named for legal reasons, when a dog vomited up a toe and other bone fragments.
‘Detectives from the Yarra Ranges Criminal Investigation Unit have charged a woman after she allegedly stole human remains in the Yarra Ranges area in February 2024,’ a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
‘The 47-year-old man was arrested on February 20 in connection with the incident.
The Lilydale woman was charged with offensive conduct involving human remains on August 16.
‘He will appear before Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 7 November 2024.’
Two days after her court appearance, Ms. Kinsman put a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine up for sale on Facebook.
“Almost new, only worn for 18 hours!” she wrote, alongside several photos of the item.
Ms Kinsman has listed several items for sale on social media in recent months, including a fish tank, a “silent guitar” and 20 collectible James Bond cars.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Kinsman for comment.