Three generations of a Spearwood family are facing animal cruelty charges over an emaciated dog that had the outline of ‘all bones visible’, was weak, had no food or water, and likely would not ‘live through the next few days.’
That’s the contents of a report received by RSPCA WA from a WAPOL officer who had seen the dog at the family’s home in March 2023.
An RSPCA WA inspector attended the property and saw the dog in the backyard which contained a build-up of rubbish. The 3-year-old Doberman was lethargic and severely underweight.
A 40-year-old man, his 56-year-old mother and 20-year-old son at various times throughout the inspector’s investigation indicated that the dog was fed well and regularly. The investigation also revealed two bags of dog food at the property were infested with cockroaches.
The dog was surrendered to RSPCA WA and taken to an emergency vet who noted he had a body score of 1/9, had a dangerously low heart rate – prevalent in dogs weighing 80 per cent or less of their appropriate body weight – and had a severe urinary tract infection.
In addition, tests showed the dog had suffered physiological adaptation as a result of prolonged starvation.
The dog recovered in the RSPCA’s care, going from 17.45kgs to 29.1kgs, and has since been adopted.
The accused have been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(d) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
RSPCA WA will allege they were cruel to the dog in that they failed to provide him with sufficient food.
They are scheduled to appear in the Fremantle Magistrates Court on 21 January.
The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty 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 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au
