A 27 year old woman from McKail (near Albany) has been convicted and was sentenced yesterday in the Albany Magistrates Court for cruelty to her pet dog, Dharma, an eight-year old male brindle bull mastiff cross.

The sentence handed down included a fine of $3,500, a 10-year prohibition from keeping an animal, and an order for legal costs of $941.49.

The charges relate to the condition of her dog, which was reported by a concerned member of the community in January 2019.

RSPCA Inspectors obtained a Warrant to Enter the Property and a Warrant to Seize the Dog after the woman had initially denied having a dog, despite information to the contrary.

Dharma was found during a search of the property, partially hidden under a pile of laundry. He was already deceased.

An autopsy revealed that Dharma had suffered from emaciation, with a body score of 1 out of 9, serous atrophy of the bone marrow and pancreatic atrophy. The dog also suffered from suspected pneumonia, which was very likely caused by starvation, and an infected penis.

The autopsy report concluded that Dharma’s cause of death was related to the pneumonia and life-threatening emaciation.

Comments from RSPCA WA Chief Inspector, Amanda Swift:

“It is inexcusable to let your family pet suffer so badly like poor Dharma, and to not seek medical help for obvious suffering. This poor dog’s last days would have been torturous.

“This is a timely reminder to people to always ask for assistance. Nobody should ever let their pets down in this way – they rely on you for their every need.

“And if you see an animal that you think could be suffering, please report it immediately – you are our eyes and ears on the ground.”

Cruelty reports can be made to the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (278 358) or online here.

ENDS