A 32-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty, after allegedly leaving his dog shut inside a hot car in East Victoria Park in December last year.
RSPCA WA responded to a report about the dog—a fox terrier cross– at around 10am on 18 December. An inspector found the dog inside the parked vehicle with no access to water.
The temperature was around 29C at the time. The inspector witnessed the dog panting excessively, becoming restless, and showing other signs of stress. She made the decision to seize the dog due to suspected offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
The dog was transported to an emergency vet, where she was found to be dehydrated and showing signs of heat stress. The dog required overnight monitoring and IV therapy to treat dehydration. She has since made a full recovery in RSPCA WA's care.
The man, who lives in Southern River, has been charged under sections 19(1), 19(3)(b)(ii) and 19(3)(d) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege his dog was confined in a manner likely to cause harm and was not provided with sufficient water.
The charges will be heard in Perth Magistrates Court on 12 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.
