The RSPCA has today charged a 38-year-old Cooloongup man with animal cruelty under section 19(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
The charge relates to a male brindle and white Staffordshire bullterrier who was reported to the RSPCA in March by a concerned member of the public.
An RSPCA inspector attended the Cooloongup property and described the dog as having a very poor body condition with ribs, hips and spine visible. There was no dog food in the immediate vicinity and the only water, located in a bucket, was dirty. He was living in poor conditions with a large amount of faeces and rubbish.
The dog was subsequently seized by the RSPCA and he remains in our care.
When he arrived at the Animal Care Centre in Malaga, the dog was emaciated, with no palpable fat. His eyes were slightly sunken, suspected to be as the result of muscle loss in his face. He was dirty, had fly worry, redness and scabbing on his ears, and generalised muscle atrophy.
He has since gained close to one third of his body weight and is in good health.
The RSPCA will allege the dog's poor condition was as a result of his owner, the accused, failing to provide proper and sufficient food and water.
The accused is due to appear in the Rockingham Magistrates Court on 5 July 2021.
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 online here.
