Man fined $10k over shocking cruelty towards German Shepherd in Baldivis

A 38-year-old man has been fined $10,000 and banned from owning an animal for two years after assaulting his dog that had run away in Baldivis.

CCTV of the incident saw the offender and another man drive up to the German Shepherd, named Rocky, near the corner of Spinifex Road and Marlberry Lane in Baldivis on May 3.

The man then got out of the Ford Ranger and grabbed his dog, hitting him three times with a dog lead.

He then lifted Rocky slightly by his collar before picking him up and swinging him into the tray of the ute.

One witness described hearing an “almighty bang” when Rocky landed. 

The offender then swung the dog lead forcefully in Rocky’s direction before climbing into the tray of the vehicle and yelling at him.

A witness saw the offender kicking and making a stomping motion in Rocky’s vicinity while the dog was pinned in a small space between two large toolboxes. 

A member of the public approached and yelled at the offender to stop hurting Rocky.

The utility then drove away.

CCTV of the incident was posted online and caused public outrage.

An RSPCA WA inspector interviewed the offender who said he had been “frustrated” after Rocky ran away. 

He admitted hitting him with the dog lead and that he had “chucked him on the back of the ute”, but denied kicking or stomping on the dog. 

Rocky was seized and a vet examination found he was too anxious to be properly examined while conscious.

He showed signs of pain when his neck was extended or manipulated, including whimpering and growling. 

Rocky continues to recover in foster care. 

Rocky is now recovering in foster care. PIC: RSPCA WA

In sentencing, Magistrate Sarah Oliver said the offending involved a “very public display of very violent behaviour” and that the “public reaction demonstrates the public outrage at this despicable action, which is understandable".

RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said the offender’s actions were an angry and completely unacceptable response to a dog who had simply run away. 

“Animals rely on their owners to keep them safe. Frustration or anger is never an excuse to deliberately hurt or frighten an animal,” she said. 

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.

Rocky was seized from his owner and is now in the care of RSPCA WA. PIC: RSPCA WA