A Melbourne mother allegedly tried to sell a human toe on the black market after it had been chewed off by a dog.
Joanna Kathlyn Kinman, 47, from 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 single 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, the Herald Sun reported.
The severed toe belonged to the dog’s owner who had died of natural causes.
It is understood the dog gnawed off the owner’s toe before being discovered and taken to the shelter. The dog owner also cannot be named for legal reasons.
Ms Kinsman reportedly faced Ringwood Magistrates Court on Tuesday. She has not yet indicated if she intends to fight the charges.
Offensive conduct with human remains carries a maximum sentence of two years in jail.
Joanna Kathlyn Kinman (pictured), 47, from 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 single toe and other bone fragments
‘Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a woman after she allegedly stole human remains in the Yarra Ranges area in February 2024,’ A spokesperson for Victoria Police said.
‘The 47-year-old was arrested on 20 February in relation to the incident.
‘The Lilydale woman was charged with offensive conduct involving human remains on 16 August.
‘She will appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 7 November, 2024.’
Two days after her court appearance Ms Kinsman listed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for sale on Facebook.
‘Almost new, only used for 18hrs!’, she wrote, alongside several photos of the item.
Ms Kinsman has listed multiple items for sale on social media in recent months including a fish tank, ‘silent guitar’ and 20 James Bond collectible cars.
Daily Mail Australia approached Ms Kinsman for comment.
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