A 73-year-old woman and a 67-year-old-man have been fined 10 thousand dollars and prohibited from owning an animal for 10 years after failing to seek vet care for their elderly dog who was in "severe pain".
In sentencing, Magistrate Linda Keane said this was an "extraordinary example of neglect".
In October 2022, RSPCA WA received a cruelty report from a City of Rockingham ranger after a 14-year-old male Bichon Frise was presented to the City as a stray.
The ranger reported the dog, known as Pepe, was in "very poor condition"' had a foul smell, had a dental infection, and had hair mats over his legs, paws, and face.
A vet examination revealed Pepe was in "severe pain" and suffering due to severe neglect. He screamed when touched and his coat was covered in 8-10cm deep mats with prickles, grass seeds, and sticks imbedded throughout it. He could not see properly due to the matting on his face and his teeth were rotten and black. He was also emitting a foul odour, described by the vet as smelling like rotting flesh, attributed to multiple skin infections and maggot infestations.
Pepe was administered pain relief before being humanely euthanised.
When interviewed by an RSPCA WA inspector, the male offender stated he and his partner had owned Pepe for approximately eight years and admitted to failing to take Pepe to a vet, despite being aware there was something "obviously wrong".
Magistrate Keane said, "You could have surrendered that dog. Anyone would know within our community that there are people willing to take on the rescue of small fluffy white dogs.
"You chose a death sentence for this dog whose final months and at least years must have involved incredible suffering."
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green agreed, saying there was no excuse for Pepe's prolonged suffering.
"Time and again we urge people who find they are no longer able to care for their animals to reach out before their pets suffer needlessly."
The offenders were convicted under section 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. They were found to have been cruel to Pepe in that they allowed him to suffer harm that could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps.
The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
RSPCA WA thanks Zarah Burgess from Burgess Criminal Lawyers for her assistance in this matter.
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.
