7 August 2025
A 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both from Yangebup, have been charged with animal cruelty following an alleged beating of their eight-month-old Bull Arab cross.
RSPCA WA alleges the male accused beat the dog with a large stick and punched him in the head and body with a closed fist multiple times while walking the puppy at a local reserve with his children on 9 March.
RSPCA WA inspectors attended the accused's home after receiving a report about the alleged incident. When informed they would be seizing the puppy, the male accused allegedly threatened and abused an inspector.
The female accused confirmed she was the puppy's owner.
The puppy was taken to the RSPCA in Malaga where, because of his level of stress and fear, he had to be sedated to allow a vet to examine him.
The examination revealed he had severe, painful infections in both ears and bloodshot, inflamed eyes that were producing discharge.
He required surgery and continues to recover in foster care.
The male accused has been charged under sections 19(1), 19(2)(a), 19(3)(h) and 77(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege he was cruel to the puppy by maliciously beating and otherwise illtreating him; he allowed him to suffer harm that could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps; and he obstructed an RSPCA WA inspector by abusing and threatening her.
The female accused has been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege she was cruel to the puppy by allowing him to suffer harm that could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps.
Both will appear in the Fremantle Magistrates Court on 11 August 2025.
The maximum penalty for a conviction of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison. The maximum penalty for a conviction of obstructing an inspector is a $20,000 fine and one year 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 at rspcawa.org.au.
