A 31-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty, after he allegedly beat his 9-week-old Staffy kelpie crossbreed puppy.
RSPCA WA received a cruelty report in April alleging the man, who was living in Rockingham at the time but now lives in Warwick, had punched the dog in the face.
During the RSPCA's investigation into the cruelty report, it was revealed that in March the man had allegedly thrown scissors at the puppy before hitting him forcefully twice with a clenched fist and throwing him across the room.
RSPCA WA seized the puppy who is currently in foster care.
The accused has been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(2)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege the accused was cruel to an animal in that he maliciously beat the puppy.
The charges will be heard in Rockingham Magistrates Court on 25 August 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 at rspcawa.org.au
