In February 2024, WA Police stopped the offender’s vehicle after officers observed it being driven rapidly out of a shopping centre carpark.
Joondalup Magistrates Court heard the offender was seen trying to insert the small package into the dog’s anus after being told she and her car would be searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981.
The package, containing approximately 2 grams of methylamphetamine, was recovered.
WA police subsequently made a cruelty report to RSPCA WA and the dog, named Busta, was seized by inspectors.
RSPCA WA argued the offender’s actions constituted attempted animal cruelty because she knew Busta had severely swollen, infected and painful anal glands.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green condemned the woman’s actions.
“The offender knew Busta was in pain and suffering from an infection and that her actions could have caused him more suffering,” she said.
“Her actions are incomprehensible – we sadly see all types of offences against animals from neglect to deliberate cruelty, but this self-serving, blatant offending is a new one for me and I’m glad the offender was brought to justice today.”
Buster recovered in RSPCA WA’s care and has since been adopted.
The offender was convicted under sections 19(1) and 19(2)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
The maximum penalty for an animal cruelty offence 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 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au.
