A Dawesville couple have been convicted of a shocking case of animal neglect.
RSPCA WA received a cruelty report in March 2024 in relation to an emaciated dog.
Inspectors attended the couple's property where they found a 12-year-old American bulldog that was incredibly skinny, with its pelvis, spine and ribs showing.
The dog, named Thor, was having difficultly supporting himself as his back legs were collapsing.
The man and woman, both aged 41, admitted he was not in a good condition and they had not sought any veterinary advice or treatment for Thor.
The pair agreed to surrender Thor to RSPCA WA where a subsequent vet examination found he had an aggressive blood cancer, ears so chronically infected they were unable to be examined without the dog being sedated, a mass on his eye, and he was emaciated and suffering from muscle loss and musculoskeletal issues.
Due to the severity and impact of these conditions on his quality of life, Thor was humanely euthanised.
Thor was so emaciated his ribs, spine and pelvis were clearly visible. PIC: RSPCA WA
In sentencing, Magistrate Clare Cullen said any person in the position of the offender would have been able to readily recognise that Thor was severely unwell and suffering.
“He was so emaciated that any blind Freddie could see," she said.
“I find that the offender knew or ought to know about the state of Thor. The severity of Thor’s condition was such that it should have been apparent to any reasonable person.”
The man was fined $2750 and ordered to pay $8000 in legal costs while the woman was fined $2000 and ordered to pay $1452 in legal costs.
Both received a spent condition and are prohibited from owning animals for three years.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said Thor’s owners had, by their own admission, grossly neglected him.
“They told our inspectors that he had been showing signs of illness for some time yet did nothing about it,” she said.
“Poor Thor was skin and bone and in obvious pain.
“If you own an animal, you have a responsibility to look after them - there was no need for Thor to suffer like that.”
The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
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