Dog ownership ban for Cooloongup man

5 July 2021

A 38-year-old Cooloongup man today has been convicted of animal cruelty after the RSPCA found his bull terrier, Harvey, emaciated and living in poor conditions earlier this year.

The offender has been fined $4000, banned from owning a dog for two years, and ordered to pay costs totalling $834.70, which includes compensating the RSPCA for Harvey’s care.

A male brindle and white bull terrier was reported to the RSPCA in March by a concerned member of the public.

RSPCA inspectors attended the Cooloongup property and described eight year old Harvey, as having a very poor body condition with ribs, hips and spine visible.

They couldn’t see any dog food in the immediate vicinity and the only water, located in a bucket, was dirty. Harvey was living in poor conditions with a large amount of faeces and rubbish.

RSPCA WA rescued Harvey, who was emaciated RSPCA WA rescued dog, Harvey, being admitted at RSPCA WA Animal Care Centre

Harvey was subsequently seized by the RSPCA.

When he arrived at the Animal Care Centre in Malaga, vets found Harvey was emaciated, with no palpable fat. His eyes were slightly sunken, suspected to be as the result of muscle loss in his face. He was dirty, had fly worry, redness and scabbing on his ears, and generalised muscle atrophy.

Harvey has since fully recovered while in RSPCA WA care. He has gained close to one third of his body weight and is in good health.

Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations, Hannah Dreaver, said this was a classic case of unnecessary neglect.

'Unfortunately we see these types of cases all too often,' Hannah said.

'Providing your animals with enough food and water and providing them with a suitable environment to live in along with necessary vet care is the absolute minimum people should do.

'Harvey was left seemingly forgotten on the concrete floor of a carport, hungry and thirsty and surrounded by rubbish and filth.

The Animal Welfare Act is very clear this kind of neglect constitutes animal cruelty and offenders face a criminal conviction, financial penalties and even jail time.

'Harvey has become a bit of an office favourite in his time with us. He is affectionate, engaging and a little cheeky. It’s heart breaking to think of him so hungry and ignored.'

Harvey, an emaciated dog, has made a full recovery at RSPCA WA

Harvey, the rescued dog, with RSPCA WA Inspector Harvey, the rescued dog, enjoying a nap and a bedtime story

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 here.

Latest

Dog groomer fined for animal cruelty

A 31-year-old Champion Lakes woman will have to pay $7,500 in fines and costs for slapping, forcefully throwing and otherwise roughly handling a dog during a grooming session.
Community Action Day - Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Free dog health checks, free flea and worming treatments and free pet food for families who might be experiencing financial hardship.
Administration Support Officer

RSPCA WA has an exciting opportunity for a confident, professional and personable individual to join our team in a frontline position which provides a high level of administration and customer service support for RSPCA WA.
RSPCA WA Pet Census – It's all love despite rising costs

Almost three quarters of WA pet owners celebrate their pet’s birthday, RSPCA WA’s annual pet census found, with over half saying their pet’s biggest impact in life is providing love and companionship.

Dog groomer fined for animal cruelty

A 31-year-old Champion Lakes woman will have to pay $7,500 in fines and costs for slapping, forcefully throwing and otherwise roughly handling a dog during a grooming session.
RSPCA WA foster care far from a drag

RSPCA WA recently published a Facebook post to attract much-needed foster carers for about 30 Burmese cats who were all named after drag queens. The response was overwhelming, with many of the cats now in homes.
Treatment of sick old dog 'outrageous' and 'disgusting'

In Midland Magistrates Court today a 54-year-old Eden Hill man was sentenced to six-months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, for failing to seek medical care for his 18-year-old Labrador-cross named Bear. He was also prohibited from owning animals for five years.
Cost-of-living continues to bite WA pet owners

West Australian pet owners continue to feel the bite of the cost-of-living and housing crises, with both issues major contributors to a more than 40 percent jump in surrender requests.
Alleged failure to seek care for 18yo dog with large tumour

A 54-year-old Midland man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly failing to seek medical care for his 18-year-old Labrador-cross dog.
$6k fine for owner who starved horses to 'skin and bone'

A 40-year-old woman from Champion Lakes has been fined a total of $6,000 for starving her two horses until they were ‘skin and bone’.
Make this Easter a safe one for your four-legged friend

RSPCA WA is urging pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals around chocolate this Easter following a shocking rise in calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline last year.
Million Paws Walk cancelled amid economic pressures

RSPCA WA has made the heartbreaking decision to cancel this year’s Million Paws Walk amid increasing cost-of-living pressures and mounting demands for the organisation’s services.
Man allegedly hid puppy after she suffered broken pelvis

A 46-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after he allegedly failed to seek appropriate veterinary care for his puppy who had been hit by a car. It is also alleged he then tried to hide the puppy from RSPCA WA.
Million Paws Walk 2024 FAQ's

Million Paws Walk is an iconic event and a strong brand for the RSPCA with many staff, volunteers, supporters and donors having enjoyed it over the last 25 years in WA. However, the simple fact is that although it is RSPCA WA’s biggest annual fundraising event, ever increasing costs mean it is now prohibitive to stage such a large-scale activity.