A 49-year-old man has been charged with 18 animal cruelty offences after RSPCA WA inspectors seized a number of dogs and puppies from his Forrestdale property where they are alleged to have been living in filthy, dark, overcrowded conditions.
RSPCA WA prosectors will allege the accused was operating a profit-driven commercial dog-breeding business and was breeding and selling puppies with little regard for their welfare, safety or health.
RSPCA WA inspectors attended the Armadale Road property in August 2025 with WA Police and City of Armadale rangers, following information provided by WA Police who had executed a warrant at the address for an unrelated matter and reported a large number of dogs in poor condition with insufficient access to clean water.
Twelve dogs were seized by RSPCA WA due to suspected offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002, with a further 22 dogs seized by local government rangers. The dogs included Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Maltese terriers, German Shepherds, a Golden Retriever and poodle-type breeds.
The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is due to appear in the Armadale Magistrates Court on 20 March when a trial date will be allocated.
He has been charged under sections 19(1), 19(3)(d), 19(3)(h), and 19(3)(b)(ii) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. The charges relate to allegedly confining the dogs in a manner that caused, or was likely to cause, harm; allowing the dogs to suffer harm which could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps; and not providing proper and
sufficient food and water.
The maximum penalty for an animal cruelty conviction in Western Australia is a $50,000 fine and five years' imprisonment.
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.
