A 43-year-old woman has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly leaving her dog to suffer serious injuries from a dog attack.
In December 2021, RSPCA WA inspectors responded to a cruelty complaint in relation to a fox terrier at an address in Merredin.
It will be alleged the accused told inspectors the seven-year-old dog had been injured by two larger dogs around a week and a half earlier and had been laying on his bed since.
The accused also allegedly told inspectors she hadn’t looked at the dog to assess his injuries and had not taken him to a vet.
An RSPCA WA inspector observed the dog had a deep gaping hole adjacent to the left side of his penis which was approximately the size of a 50-cent piece. Fluid was leaking from the wound and flies were buzzing around it. A deep laceration to his left shoulder appeared to be exposing muscle.
A consequent veterinary examination confirmed he had infected dog fight wounds that required surgical cleaning and repair; extensive soft tissue damage to his groin and right shoulder; large, scabbed lesions on his back; and lameness in both hind legs due to soft tissue damage with extensive inflammation.
The dog has since recovered in the care of the RSPCA and has been rehomed.
The accused has been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege she was cruel to an animal in that she allowed the dog to suffer harm which could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps.
The maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
The charge will be heard in Merredin Magistrates Court on 31 October 2023.
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
