8 August 2025
A 44-year-old Broome man has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty and two of failing to comply with a direction from an inspector after RSPCA WA inspectors seized two emaciated dogs from his property in March.
The inspectors went to the man's home after receiving a cruelty complaint about an underweight Great Dane.
They saw the six-year-old dog in the backyard, along with a nine-year-old Pomeranian.
The outline of the Great Dane's ribs, spine and pelvic bones where visible and prominent while the Pomeranian appeared underweight with his abdomen tucked and a narrow waist.
Subsequent vet examinations revealed that the Great Dane was emaciated due to a lack of proper nutrition; had mild anaemia; had dental disease; had bilateral ear infections; and had a painful eye condition known as posterior lens luxation.
The Pomeranian was found to be emaciated due to a lack of proper nutrition; had dental disease; and had two fractured teeth.
Both dogs continue to recover in foster care and have gained weight
The accused had earlier come to the attention of the RSPCA, and he had been directed to provide proper and sufficient food to the Great Dane and take the dog to his local vet clinic once a week for four weeks so updates could be provided on her body condition.
RSPCA WA will allege he failed to follow either direction. He has been charged under section 47(3) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 as a result.
He has also been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(d) of the Act. He is accused of having been cruel to the two dogs by not providing proper and sufficient food.
The accused is due to appear in Broome Magistrates Court on 18 August.
The maximum penalty for a conviction of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison. The maximum penalty for a conviction of failing to follow an inspector's direction is $20,000 and one year 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.
