19 June 2014

A Port Kennedy man was fined $6000 and prohibited from owning any animal for a period of five years after being found guilty of two counts of cruelty.

On 3rd May 2013, RSPCA received a cruelty complaint about the puppy which had been taken to a local vet hospital by Christopher Paul Hansen. The puppy was badly emaciated and had a severe skin condition. At the time of admission to the vet he weighed only 10.5kg. A dog of this breed should weigh between 25 to 30kgs.

The vet report stated that Hansen was unable to advise if the puppy had been vaccinated or wormed. Hansen told the vet that the puppy was not eating and was unsure when he last ate. Hanson also knew the puppy had a skin mite which he had unable to get treatment for due to lack of money.

The veterinary report stated that Caesar had a severe skin infection affecting 90% of his body with the most severe ulceration and crusting around his head. Blood tests also confirmed the puppy was dehydrated and had sepsis along with other conditions.

Despite Caesar receiving extensive veterinary treatment at the clinic over a period of six days, his condition continued to deteriorate, he lapsed into a coma and was euthanised on humane grounds.

"RSPCA is still seeing far too many cases of animal neglect,"

"Once again, this dog's death was preventable through early intervention by taking the dog to a vet. It is very frustrating that we continue to see far too many cases of neglect." RSPCA Chief Inspector Amanda Swift said.

"Before you adopt or purchase an animal you must remember to make sure you can care for that animal and that includes adequate food, water, shelter, exercise and veterinary costs. Factoring in the cost for pet insurance should also be a consideration to assist with expenses over the pet's lifetime.

"If you cannot afford to continue looking after the animal there are options available such as surrendering the animal to a reputable shelter or seeking further advice and assistance from your vet. Leaving the situation until it is too late is not acceptable and this is proven again with today's conviction," she said.

Hansen was also ordered to pay more than $1000 in costs.