Two friends have been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly failing to seek vet care for a poodle puppy who had a broken leg.
RSPCA WA inspectors attended the 63-year-old woman's Lockridge home in February 2024 after receiving two cruelty reports in relation to the alleged poor living conditions of a large number of toy poodles which were thought to have been used for breeding.
The accused woman advised she only had two dogs – one male and one female – and did not use them for breeding.
The inspectors then attended the co-accused 59-year-old man's Morley property where he advised he owned two of the dogs who were at his home, but the eight remaining dogs – including the puppy with an injured leg – did not belong to him.
The seven-month-old toy poodle was observed in the rear yard, unable to walk properly, and limping due to an injury on her right hind limb. The accused said he had noticed she was limping but had not taken her to the vet.
A microchip scan of the puppy indicated the female accused was the owner and later in a phone call between the co-accused and the inspector, the female accused advised she actually owned several of the dogs at the Morley property. She said she had noticed the puppy was limping the day before but also did not seek vet advice.
The female accused was given oral direction to take the puppy to a vet, which she obliged with. Following x-rays, it was apparent the puppy's right hind leg was broken, and the accused surrendered the dog to the vet as she could not afford surgery. The leg could not be saved and was amputated. The dog's leg was surrendered to RSPCA WA.
A specialist veterinary radiologist examined the x-rays and advised the leg had reduced bone density and muscle wastage which indicated the fracture had occurred more than 10 to 12 weeks prior to the x-rays being taken.
The puppy made a full recovery in care and has since been rehomed.
The accused have been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege the accused were cruel to the puppy in that she suffered harm which 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.
The charges will be heard in Perth Magistrates Court on 21 February 2025.
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
