8 March 2024

Two men aged 45 and 32, and a 32-year-old woman have each been charged in relation to a dog found suffering from untreated cancer and skin disease. All three were responsible for the welfare of the dog in question.

In June 2022, an RSPCA WA inspector attended an address in Koongamia after WA Police reported a female American Bulldog in poor condition.

On arrival at the property, the inspector saw the 9-year-old dog who had skin lesions and patches of missing hair, as well as a large fleshy growth near her groin which was bleeding.

The inspector seized the dog due to suspected offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and transported her to RSPCA WA in Malaga.

A vet examination found the dog had skin disease that was covering most of her body, which was severe, chronic and painful; had a very large, open, and deep necrotic tumour which was actively bleeding; multiple tumours on other parts of her body; and was anaemic from chronic blood loss due to her tumour and a flea infestation.

The vet determined the dog was an unstable patient with concerning respiratory distress and was suffering from moderate to marked chronic pain. The dog was humanely euthanised.

All three accused have been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege each of them was cruel to an animal in that they allowed the dog to suffer harm which could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps.

The charges will be heard in the Midland Magistrates Court on 20 March, 2024.

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 at rspcawa.org.au.