Puppy's broken leg prompts animal cruelty charge

25 January 2023

A 23-year-old woman from Willagee, who allegedly failed to seek treatment for her puppy’s broken leg, has been charged with animal cruelty.

RSPCA WA received a call about the puppy from a member of the public on 16 September 2022.

An inspector attended and found the German shepherd-cross, who was around six months old, in a yard at the side of the house. He was clearly in pain and was not putting any weight on his right front leg.

RSPCA WA understood the injury had been present for around a week, so made the decision to seize the puppy. He was taken to a nearby vet for urgent treatment, before coming to RSPCA WA’s Animal Care
Centre in Malaga, where X-rays revealed a broken elbow.

Given the severity of the fracture and the delay in treatment, the decision was made to amputate the puppy’s leg to avoid ongoing pain. He is recovering well in foster care.

The accused has been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

RSPCA WA will allege the puppy suffered harm which could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps–namely, seeking vet treatment.

The charge will be heard in Fremantle Magistrates Court on 17 February.

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

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 online here.

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