A 69-year-old woman and her 66-year-old brother, both of Maddington, have been fined $6000 each and banned from owning animals for five years after allowing their ram to suffer from painful lameness.
The male offender was also fined $2000 for obstructing an RSPCA WA inspector by hindering and abusing her while she was exercising a power under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
On 13 March 2023, the RSPCA attended the pair's home following a cruelty report regarding a sheep that appeared to be underweight and had difficulty walking.
An RSPCA WA inspector saw the three-year-old ram, Cara, lying down; he appeared unable to stand.
The male offender said the sheep had arthritis and could only stand with assistance.
Once lifted up, Cara was hesitant to walk and was unable to bear weight on his front right leg. The male offender said the ram had seen a vet three months prior who advised the only treatment needed was anti-inflammatory medication.
The inspector spoke to this vet who confirmed a course of trial medication had been provided to the sheep however the vet also told the offender Cara would need to have x-rays and further testing or be euthanised on humane grounds. The vet did not hear from the owners after this visit.
In looking at vision of Cara taken by the inspector, the vet claimed he appeared 'significantly worse' than three months prior, was 10/10 lame and would be in excruciating pain.
The male and female offenders were subsequently issued with a written direction to take the ram to a vet and follow the advice that vet gave. The offender did take the sheep to a vet who provided pain relief and advised euthanasia. The female offender said she would not follow that advice.
The inspector returned to the property and observed Cara was standing on just three legs. He was hesitant to move and was shuffling his body to balance himself. Cara was seized by the inspector. The male offender attempted to physically stop the seizure and was verbally abusive to the inspector.
Cara was transported to an external veterinary clinic where he stayed for observation. After two days, the vet recommended humane euthanasia based on severe lameness and pain with no improvement despite the use of daily medication.
During sentencing at Armadale Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Magistrate Matthew Holgate said the offenders had a lack of remorse for their actions.
Mr Holgate said it was "serious conduct as it involved neglect of a higher nature" and the offenders had "complete disregard of expert evidence and advice".
The offenders were convicted under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. They were found to be cruel to an animal in that they allowed the ram to suffer harm which could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps. The male offender was also convicted under section 77 of the Act.
The offenders were also ordered to pay almost $13,000 in legal and other costs. Their ownership prohibition order was given a delayed start to 25 October to allow them time to rehome their remaining animals.
The maximum penalty for a charge 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 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au
