The RSPCA has charged a 34-year-old woman and 43-year-old man, both of Helena Valley, with
animal cruelty under section 19(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
The charge relates to a three-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) dog who was the
subject of a cruelty report in June 2020.
When an RSPCA inspector attended the property, the dog in question was unresponsive. He was in
very poor body condition, his eyes were sunken, his head was jerking and his tongue was blue.
The inspector took the dog to a nearby vet where she was met by the female accused. The vet
advised the dog had passed away.
A veterinary examination of the dog revealed he was severely emaciated with extensive muscle
wastage. He was significantly dehydrated which was likely due to a combination of renal
dysfunction and restricted access to drinking water.
It also showed he had a congenital condition since birth, a severe case of pectus excavatum
(sunken breastbone in chest) which causes suffering, including weight loss.
He had grade three dental disease with oral pain which could have been treated. He had infections
in both ears and a urinary tract infection. He also had a dislocated hip joint likely because of
juvenile hip dysplasia, which would have been present for several months to years.
The RSPCA alleges the co-accused did not provide the dog with sufficient water. The RSPCA also
alleges the co-accused failed to alleviate harm suffered by the dog, due to his many health
conditions, because they didn’t provide adequate vet care.
The co-accused are due to appear in the Midland Magistrates Court on 23 July 2021.
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
