Animal cruelty charges after dog left chained in heat

21 April 2022

A 25-year-old South West man has been charged with animal cruelty after a dog was found dehydrated and tethered in his backyard last summer.

On 23 December, the RSPCA was alerted to a dog chained to a Hills hoist clothesline in Carey Park.

An inspector attended and saw the dog, a three-year-old male mixed breed, was attached to a chain that had tangled to just half a metre long.

His collar was twisted and very tight. The inspector noted the dog appeared distressed and was panting heavily, with a dry, red mouth and his tongue hanging out. It is alleged he had no access to shade or water.

The inspector seized the dog and took him to a local vet who determined he was suffering from dehydration.

The dog has made a full recovery and remains in the care of the RSPCA.

The alleged offender has been charged under sections 19(1), 19(3)(b)(ii), 19(3)(d) and 19(3)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. It will be alleged that he restrained the dog in a manner likely to cause unnecessary harm, did not provide proper and sufficient water, and did not provide shade.

The charges will be heard in the Bunbury Magistrates Court on 26 May 2022.

The maximum penalty for an animal cruelty charge 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

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