Man accused of bashing pig, biting his ear

7 November 2023

A 43-year-old Beckenham man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly beating and otherwise injuring his pet pig.

The accused was allegedly seen punching the pig, lifting him in the air by a thick metal choker chain, dragging him 10 metres along the ground, pushing the pig’s head into the ground, sitting on him, and biting his ear in October 2021.

A witness describes the pig as squealing and trying to escape.

An RSPCA WA inspector who attended the accused’s home following the alleged incident says the pig had signs of having been bitten, choked and beaten which a subsequent vet examination also concluded.

The accused has been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(2)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege the accused was cruel to an animal in that he bit, choked, dragged, choked and otherwise illtreated the pig.

The charge will be heard in Armadale Magistrates Court on 8 December 2023.

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

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