A 70-year-old man and 61-year-old woman have pleaded guilty to committing one act of aggravated cruelty for permanently deformed fly-bitten ears in relation to four dogs and four acts of failing to provide veterinary treatment to eight dogs suffering from multiple veterinary conditions, including ear infections, entropion, conjunctivitis, ulcerated wounds and fly bite in another dog.
On 14 December 2023, RSPCA NSW Inspectors attended a Padstow property in response to a cruelty complaint regarding multiple dogs on site.
Upon entering the property, Inspectors noticed a heavy presence of flies, and found several dogs in a dirt yard, all of which appeared to have fly bitten ear wounds.
It was evident that there had been no change in the dogs' condition or environment, despite previous engagement by the RSPCA NSW Inspectorate earlier that year, including:
- Education about compliance with the Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Breeding Dogs and Cats (the Code)
- 24N Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) (POCTAA) written directions for dogs requiring vet treatment to be provided for fly bitten ears, including providing written advice via email to prevent fly bitten ear wounds in the future.
- Penalty Infringement Notices (on the spot fines) for breaches of the Code.
Inspectors spoke with the owners of the dogs, who made the following admissions:
- They recalled the Inspector's previous visit where they were given written directions and advice.
- The last time any dog at the property was seen by a vet was a few months ago.
They asserted that:
- They had been putting cream on the dogs' ears for the fly bite wounds.
- Some of the dogs belonged to a friend of theirs and they had been caring for them for a few weeks while their friend was overseas.
Before Inspectors began individually examining each of the animals, the defendant went inside the dwelling and presented a female Chow Chow. The dog, named 'Lola', appeared to have recently had cream applied to her ears and nose. Underneath the cream, it was clear the dog had severe fly bite wounds and that part of both of her ears had been eaten away by flies.
The female defendant then presented several bottles to Inspectors and indicated they were the products that were being used to treat the dogs' ears.
The products included:
- A bottle of Sanofi Calamine lotion that was half full.
- A nearly full bottle of 'Repel-X' insect repellent spray that had been prescribed by a local vet nearly 12 months prior.
- A nearly full bottle of 'Coopers Easy-Dose' cattle lice and fly treatment.
Based on the severity of the fly bite wounds that Inspectors had seen on both Lola and the other dogs upon entering the property, and the amount of product left in the bottles, it did not appear that the treatments were being used on a regular basis.
Lola, the Chow Chow, with severe fly bite wounds.
In addition to Lola, nine adult dogs and two litters of puppies, appearing to only be only days old, were found in three separate sections of the property, including:
- The front dirt yard, housing four Samoyed dogs. This area had one concrete pen acting as shelter for the dogs and no bedding.
- The rear dirt yard, housing three Samoyed dogs. This area had an outdoor dining table with a tarp over the top of it, acting as shelter for the dogs.
- An air conditioned demountable, housing two female dogs and their litters.
Of the ten adult dogs found on the property, eight appeared to be suffering from varying levels of fly bite wounds and were seized by RSPCA NSW.
The defendants declined the option of surrendering the dogs.
The defendants then reiterated that some of the dogs were owned by their friend, however, were unable to provide any details to Inspectors to support this.
The eight dogs were transported to an RSPCA NSW veterinary hospital, where a registered veterinarian assessed the dogs, and determined they were suffering from the following conditions:
- Five of the dogs had fly bite wounds on their ears;
- Seven of the dogs had Otitis Externa (ear infections).
- In addition to fly bite wounds and an ear infection, Lola also had conjunctivitis and would need to undergo surgery for a condition known as entropion, which is a condition commonly suffered by breeds of this type where the eyelids turn inward.
Four out of the five dogs with fly bite wounds sustained permanent ear deformities, due to the severity of the wounds and the amount of the ear that had been eaten away by flies.
The remaining health problems of the dogs were successfully treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, topical cream, fly repellent spray, and anti-fungal ear drops.
Lola and Cindy (bonded pair available for adoption) after receiving veterinary treatment in RSPCA NSW care.
Investigations conducted by Inspectors determined that all eight dogs seized were registered to the female defendant.
At Bankstown Local Court, both defendants entered pleas of guilty and were convicted of committing an act of aggravated cruelty and four acts of failing to provide veterinary treatment.
Each defendant was also fined $12,000 and ordered to pay veterinary care and shelter costs in the sum of $20 191.55 to RSPCA NSW.
The couple were disqualified from acquiring, owning, or having anything to do with the care of animals for a period of five years and each was ordered to dispose of any other animals in their care within 28 days.
During sentencing, the Magistrate remarked on how the appalling neglect and failure to care for these dogs had resulted in immense suffering, and that it was clear they had been bred for material purposes only.
"The prolonged suffering these dogs endured was completely preventable," said RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector, Scott Meyers.
"Some of these animals have permanent deformities that they will need to live with for the rest of their lives, due to their owners' complete disregard and disinterest in following simple instructions to improve their welfare."
Over the course of six months, all the dogs received tailored medical and behaviour plans to assist with their rehabilitation. Out of the eight dogs seized, three have been adopted. Sadly, despite our teams' best efforts, one was humanely euthanised as a consequence of the severe medical conditions that negatively impacted its quality of life.
Four of the remaining dogs, named Helen, Lola, Cindy, and Betty are currently available for adoption at the RSPCA NSW Sydney Adoption and Education Centre.
WARNING – GRAPHIC AND DISTRESSING
