A Maida Vale man, 60, and woman, 57, have each been fined $3,000 and banned from being in charge of animals for five years after failing to obtain veterinary treatment for a severely ill and injured cat.
Armadale Magistrates Court heard RSPCA WA inspectors attended the Maida Vale property in October 2024 following a cruelty report about an underweight cat with a “bulging infected eye”.
On arrival, the inspectors found the 16-year-old ginger cat, Jaffa, on the front patio with his left eye bulging from its socket. Fur, dirt and grime were stuck to the exposed eye which had bled onto his face and front legs. A strong foul odour was coming from the cat.
The offenders told inspectors the injury had occurred after an altercation with a bandicoot and that Jaffa had not been taken to a vet for treatment, despite the male offender noticing the injury 10 days prior.
Jaffa was surrendered to RSPCA WA and taken immediately to the Animal Care Centre, where a vet found he was emaciated, with a body condition score of 1/9 and “no muscle on body at all”.
The vet determined Jaffa’s eye condition was likely linked to a large mass suspected to be cancer, with a severe secondary infection, dental disease and an extremely poor quality of life. Jaffa was humanely euthanised that day.
In sentencing, Magistrate Millington noted the significant suffering caused, agreeing with the vet’s assessment that the process of Jaffa’s disease “would have been extremely painful and prolonged.”
“You would hope that people, when they see animals in this condition … [and] are responsible for cats or animals in this situation, that they would do something about it,” he added.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said the case was deeply distressing.
“No animal should be left to endure this level of suffering without intervention,” Ms Green said.
“Jaffa was an elderly cat left to suffer for far too long – he was in an appalling condition when inspectors found him.
“Seeking vet care is a basic responsibility when looking after a pet. If an animal is injured, unwell or suffering, they must receive treatment or, where necessary, humane euthanasia.”
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2002, people found guilty of animal cruelty can face fines of up to $50,000 and five years’ imprisonment.
Anyone who suspects animal cruelty should report it to RSPCA WA’s cruelty hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589) or via rspcawa.org.au.
