A 23-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty, after RSPCA WA seized his kelpie from poor conditions at a Caversham address.
An inspector attended the property on 18 June 2022 following a cruelty report. RSPCA WA will allege the dog was found on a three-metre tether inside a small, leaking shelter. He was underweight and caked in mud with nowhere dry to sit, stand or lie down.
The inspector noted the dog's only available food was a small amount of dog biscuits, which were soaking wet from the rain.
RSPCA WA seized the dog and took him to a nearby vet, who found he was underweight with a body condition score of 2 out of 5. RSPCA WA will allege this was due to underfeeding.
The accused, who lives in Dianella, has been charged under sections 19(1), 19(3)(d), and 19(3)(e) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002; namely that the dog, who was under his care, did not have proper and sufficient food or shelter.
The charges will be heard in Midland Magistrates Court on 7 November.
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.
