A 58-year-old man and 53-year-old woman from Eden Hill have been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly failing to get vet treatment for their senior Maltese cross Shih Tzu dog.
The couple booked a vet appointment in 2022 in order to have the 14-year-old dog euthanised, however, the vet thought the dog could be treated so encouraged the couple to surrender the dog and they obliged.
Further examination of the dog raised suspicion he had been suffering for months without vet treatment for ear and skin conditions as well as matted hair around his face.
He also had soft foot pads which indicated he had been in wet conditions for long periods of time, and dental disease which appeared to have been present for 12 months or more.
The vet surmised the dog was in considerable pain which could have been alleviated with inexpensive and simple therapies well before he became so unwell.
RSPCA WA's investigation confirmed the couple had failed to seek vet treatment for an extended period of time, leaving the dog to suffer unnecessarily.
Despite the vet's best effort, the decision was made after some time to humanely euthanise him.
The couple maintained the dog had only been unwell for a couple days at most before they took him to the vet.
The accused have each been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
RSPCA WA will allege they were cruel to the dog in that they failed to take reasonable steps to alleviate harm.
The maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
The matter will be heard on 20 September 2024 at Midland Magistrates Court where a trial date will be allocated.
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.
