A 42-year-old Geraldton woman has been charged with animal cruelty over the condition of her one-year-old Staffy whippet cross.
RSPCA WA inspectors attended the accused’s Wonthella address in August following a cruelty report in relation to an emaciated dog.
They observed the dog was severely emaciated with the outline of her hips, ribs and spine clearly visible.
The dog also had pressure sores on her legs and back end and her tail was at an unusual angle.
The dog was seized and taken to a local vet who concluded she was severely emaciated, had no discernible body fat and had lost the majority of her muscle mass.
She had a weak and lethargic demeanour, was mildly to moderately dehydrated, had an old fracture in her tail which was painful when touched, was anaemic likely due to malnutrition, and had pressure sores from lying on hard surfaces with a lack of muscle and body fat to pad her body.
The vet estimated the dog’s condition indicated a severe lack of nutrition for longer than six months and that she had stunted growth. Her expected weight would be around 15kg however she weighed just 9.8kg.
The dog continues to recover in the RSPCA’s care.
The accused has been charged under section 19(1) and 19(3)(d) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege she was cruel to the dog in that she didn’t provide her sufficient food and water.
The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
The charges will be heard in Geraldton Magistrates Court on 28 November 2024.
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.
