A 42-year-old Geraldton man has been convicted of animal cruelty after RSPCA WA inspectors seized his emaciated one-year-old dog, a large mixed breed named Diesel, from his Beachlands home.
He has been fined $5,000, ordered to pay $3,372.10 in legal and care costs, and banned from being a person in charge of an animal for five years.
Geraldton Magistrates Court heard that in February 2024, two RSPCA WA inspectors went to the man's home after receiving a report about an underweight dog at the property.
They saw Diesel in the backyard – he was so thin his hips, ribs and spine were protruding; he had poor muscle mass; and his coat was dry and dull with large patches of fur missing where his skin was red and inflamed. They saw several bowls scattered on the patio; each one was empty. A large bag of dog biscuits was clearly visible inside the locked laundry which Diesel couldn't access.
Diesel was seized due to suspected offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and taken to a local vet clinic for assessment and treatment. The examining vet raised concerns that Diesel's growth had been stunted and noted his skin issues were possibly indicative of nutritional deficiencies. His body condition score was calculated as very poor at 1-1.5/5.
Later that day, Diesel was transported to Perth. During his recovery, several veterinary examinations determined that Diesel was emaciated from lack of food, with his skin conditions also linked to inadequate nutrition.
During the investigation, the offender admitted he "let that poor little bugger suffer. He's been the one that's paid the price" (for the offender's personal problems).
Diesel made a full recovery and has been adopted into a loving home where he is known as "Vinny" (as in Vin Diesel). His new owner describes him as "the goofiest gremlin who doesn't know what personal space is".
In sentencing, Magistrate Andrew Wadham said, "There is an expectation that owners of animals will meet a standard of care … the offender has fallen well short of the standard expected of him" adding "Owners need to be sent a message that if they don't take on ownership to the required standard, they will face serious consequences."
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said it never gets any easier seeing animals in such an emaciated state. "Diesel wasn't just a little thin," she said. "He was malnourished to the point where his growth had been stunted, his skin was infected, his muscles had wasted, and you could clearly see the outline of his bones. It's hard to imagine seeing Diesel in that state day after day and doing nothing about it."
The offender was convicted under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(d) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. The maximum penalty for an offence 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 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au.
