Three separate animal cruelty cases involving avoidable suffering were finalised in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on Friday, with Magistrate Raelene Johnston imposing fines and animal ownership bans in each matter.
In the first case, a 56-year-old Koondoola man was fined $3,000 and permanently prohibited from being in charge of an animal after a cat in his care, named Cheryl, was found in an emaciated state and suffering from a significant maggot infestation. RSPCA WA inspectors responded to an ambulance call for Cheryl which described her as "dragging herself around" with "blood coming out". When they arrived at the property, they found her deceased. In sentencing, Magistrate Johnston noted the severity of the suffering, saying, "the animal clearly must have been in significant distress."
In a second matter, a 49-year-old Byford man was fined $2,200 and banned from being in charge of an animal for two years. His dog, Phoenix, was suffering from severe untreated disease affecting her face and mouth, causing significant pain and breathing obstruction. Phoenix was euthanised on humane grounds. The offender was found to have been cruel to Phoenix by not seeking vet treatment. His conviction was spent.
In the third case, a 69-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman from Kinross were each fined $2,300 and prohibited from being in charge of an animal for five years after their elderly dog, Dusty, was found suffering from multiple untreated medical conditions, including tumours, severe dental disease and a ruptured eye. Despite veterinary advice, they failed to organise treatment for Dusty or have him euthanised. Magistrate Johnston told the pair: "By not arranging for him to obtain treatment, to not arrange for him to be euthanised, you did, effectively, cause his ongoing suffering."
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said the three matters highlighted a common and preventable issue.
"These are three very sad cases, and in each one the suffering was clearly avoidable," she said.
"Animals rely entirely on their owners to recognise when something is wrong and to act. Ignoring signs of illness or injury, or delaying treatment, can lead to prolonged and unnecessary suffering which, as these cases show, can lead to prosecution.
"The reason the law recognises neglect like this as a crime is because it is most definitely a form of animal cruelty."
Ms Green urged pet owners to seek help early if they can't meet their animal's needs.
"If cost, transport or personal circumstances are barriers, there are options available. The worst thing you can do is nothing."
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.
