1 August 2025

A 47-year-old Balga woman has been charged with animal cruelty after CCTV captured her kicking, dragging and tormenting a nine-month-old female Shar-Pei cross for approximately 10 minutes.

The footage was given to RSPCA WA on 7 March by WA Police. They had obtained the vision, dated 27 February, during the investigation of an unrelated matter.

In the video, the accused can be seen in the driveway of her home, repeatedly yelling loud and aggressive profanities at the puppy to get in the back seat of a car.

At various points, the accused can be seen forcefully kicking the puppy in the chest, head and backside, dragging the puppy by her front legs, and otherwise physically hurting her.

The puppy can be seen cowering, running away, tucking her tail between her legs, freezing in fear, and urinating and defecating in fear at various times over the prolonged incident. She can also be heard yelping and whining.

On 7 March, an RSPCA WA inspector attended the accused’s property and seized the puppy.

A subsequent vet examination concluded that psychological harm was the likely cause of hypervigilance and appeasing behaviours being shown by the puppy, and that soft tissue injury was also likely causing pain and may have been the cause of mild back leg lameness.

The accused has been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(2)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege she was cruel to the puppy by maliciously beating, tormenting and otherwise ill-treating her.

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

The charge will be heard in Perth Magistrates Court on 8 August 2025.

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.