RSPCA WA has charged a 43-year-old South Australian man with animal cruelty following an alleged offence against a Great Dane, committed in WA in 2019. The man lived in Orelia at the time of the alleged offending.
RSPCA inspectors, responding to a cruelty complaint made by a WA Police officer, went to the property where they saw the brindle Great Dane was in very poor body condition with his ribs, hips and spine visible.
The accused told inspectors he thought the dog was sick, but he couldn't afford vet treatment. He said the dog was regularly fed and never missed a meal.
The RSPCA inspector took the dog to a vet who noted the dog was very aggressive, severely emaciated with a body condition score of one out of nine, and had suffered from prolonged starvation. He also had other health issues, including a flea infestation.
Despite treatment and care by the RSPCA over a period of time, the dog was euthanised on humane grounds.
The accused has been bailed to Western Australia to appear in the Rockingham Magistrates Court on 26 July 2021. RSPCA WA thanks South Australian Police for facilitating the arrest.
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.
