A 25-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man from Bindoon, who left their dog at home without adequate water for almost a month, have been charged with animal cruelty.
An RSPCA WA inspector attended the couple's home on 5 December 2022, and found the one-year-old Staffy in the backyard without access to water. During the inspectors' investigation, she was told the couple had not been seen at the address for three weeks, so others had been providing food and water for the dog over the fence.
The inspector seized the dog due to suspected offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002, and brought her to RSPCA WA in Malaga, where she remains in care.
When questioned, the female accused admitted to leaving the dog with a bucket of biscuits and water, while she and her partner were away between 9 November 2022 and 11 December 2022. She said she had not organised for anyone to look after the dog during that time.
The couple have been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(d) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege the pair did not provide their dog with sufficient water.
The charges will be heard in Joondalup Magistrates Court on 5 May 2023.
The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years 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 online here.
