RSPCA Victoria is again imploring the community to commit to better standards of care for animals, after another case of neglect, involving a puppy, was finalised in court this month.
After a report was received about animals in poor living conditions, RSPCA Inspectors attended a property in Echuca and found a young Kelpie Doberman cross dog in poor body condition, her ribs and spine protruding.
The resident at the house stated she was not the owner of the dog, but had been left in charge of the animal for a number of weeks while the owner was travelling interstate.
The owner was contacted and provided with various options relating to the puppy's immediate care requirements, however elected to surrender 'Jedda' to RSPCA Victoria.
Upon surrender, the puppy was taken to a local vet who determined she was emaciated and dehydrated. Results from blood tests subsequently confirmed there were no underlying health reasons for the puppy's emaciated condition, and that the cause of her condition was simply lack of adequate nutrition for multiple weeks. Weighing in at only 3.36kg, Jedda was placed on fluids and hospitalised overnight for monitoring.
The following day Jedda was transported to the RSPCA Burwood clinic where she received ongoing care and assessment. Jedda was put on a feeding plan and placed in foster care to help her recover in a loving environment.
Jedda thrived in foster care and within eight days her weight had increased by 62% to 5.44kg.
Inspectorate Team Leader Karen Collier said it was extremely frustrating to see that neglect continued to account for such a high proportion of cruelty reports.
"It's heartbreaking to see animals are still not receiving the most basic standard of care," Ms Collier said.
"Last financial year we received almost 4,000 cruelty reports relating to animals with insufficient food and water provided, and over 2,800 reports relating to underweight animals.
"Our Inspectors are passionate about education and work hard to help the community provide the best level of care for their animals, but there is still an onus on people to be proactive and reach out for assistance.
"There is no excuse for an animal to be in the condition in which Jedda was found, particularly a young puppy."
During an online court hearing this month, the person in charge of Jedda was convicted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1984 (POCTAA) for:
• 9(1)(f) - failure to provide an animal with sufficient food or drink, and
• 9(1)(i) - failure to provide veterinary or other appropriate attention or treatment.
The accused was fined $1,500 and ordered to pay costs of $207.10. She was also disqualified from being the person in charge of any dog for a period of five years.
Jedda gained weight and confidence in foster care and has since been adopted into a loving family where she has been renamed 'Juno'.
Please see photos of 'Juno' at the time of rescue and now, after adoption at https://we.tl/t-KdZpL9Y0tQ.
