8 November 2024

A 38-year-old man has been sentenced to a nine-month community-based order after failing to provide proper care for his two dogs, resulting in them both suffering.

He was also ordered to pay more than $5000 in reimbursement and legal costs and was banned from bring in charge of any animals for two years.

Joondalup Magistrates Court on Wednesday heard an RSPCA inspector attended the man’s Carramar home in September 2022 after receiving a cruelty report regarding two dogs at the property, one of which was described as skinny and the other as having a very matted coat.

The offender told the inspector investigating the case that he couldn’t afford to take his 14-year-old Staffy, Bailey, and 7-year-old Maltese, Gizmo, to the vet, but claimed he had organised to surrender the two dogs to RSPCA WA the following day. However, the inspector discovered he had not made those arrangements.

Due to the suspected offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and the fact the dogs had not been to a vet recently, the inspector entered the rear yard and saw Bailey had a protruding spine and ribs, as well as sunken muscle on her face and legs, and multiple lumps on her body.

Gizmo’s coat was so matted it was tight against his skin and he was clearly in pain. He also had faeces stuck in his coat, had issues with an underbite, and a loose tooth.

The inspector seized Bailey and Gizmo and took them to the RSPCA WA Animal Care Centre in Malaga for immediate veterinary care. The offender later surrendered both dogs to RSPCA WA.

Sadly, Bailey was humanely euthanised due to her poor condition and ongoing deteriorating health conditions. Gizmo was rehabilitated and has since been adopted.

RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said the offender acted cruelly in not taking action to ensure the welfare of his dogs.

“We know the cost-of-living crisis is hitting people hard and the cost of pet food and vet care has risen however, it is never okay to let your pet suffer in these ways,” she said.

“Bailey and Gizmo’s suffering could have been alleviated if the offender reached out to friends, family or an organisation like the RSPCA for help.”

The offender was charged under sections 19(1), 19(3)(d), and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. He was found to have been cruel to Bailey in that he did not provide her with sufficient food and cruel to Gizmo in that he failed to alleviate harm by seeking vet care for him.

The maximum penalty 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.