Charges laid over Gumtree puppies

5 September 2022

A 51-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty in relation to two puppies advertised for sale on Gumtree.

RSPCA WA received a cruelty report in May from a person advising the puppies, situated at the accused’s address in Camillo, were sick and underweight.

An inspector attended the property. She reported seeing two eight-week-old American Staffy crossbreed pups confined in a small crate that was barricaded with speakers, pieces of wood and a part of a flyscreen door. The crate was soiled with urine and faeces and there was no food or water available.

The inspector described the puppies as being very underweight with their ribs, hips and spine visible. They were filthy from the mess inside the crate.

The inspector suspected an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and seized the puppies, transporting them to an emergency vet for initial assessment and overnight care before they were taken to the RSPCA in Malaga. They are currently in foster care.

The accused is facing two charges of animal cruelty. It is alleged he was cruel to each of the puppies in that he confined them in a manner that caused harm and did not provide them with sufficient food.

The charges will be heard in the Armadale Magistrates Court on 11 October.

The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.

The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect. Report cruelty 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or online.

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