Whyalla couple prosecuted in one of worst chronic neglect cases RSPCA SA has seen
A Whyalla couple convicted on a cruelty charge in the Whyalla Magistrates Court this week allowed the coat of their elderly miniature poodle cross to become so overgrown and matted that the animal could no longer see or walk properly.
In addition to his matted coat, the 13-year-old dog was suffering from dehydration, emaciation, tapeworms, fleas, arthritis and coughing as the result of an upper respiratory issue.
In the Whyalla Magistrates Court, the dog's owners were convicted on a charge of ill-treatment of an animal for the chronic neglect of their dog.
The dog was clipped the day after he was taken into RSPCA South Australia's care. The weight of the clippings was 700 grams; once clipped, the dog weighed just over four kilograms. Despite the efforts of RSPCA's veterinary team, the dog failed to respond to his medical treatment and sadly collapsed and died two days later.
Both defendants were convicted and placed on a $500 good behaviour bond of 18 months. Legal and veterinary costs totalling $548.45 were awarded to RSPCA SA.
The couple is prohibited from owning any animals, except two pets already in their care. A veterinary report testified that these animals, a dog and cat, were in good health and RSPCA inspectors will monitor their ongoing care.
Man convicted for ill-treatment of ten Border Collie dogs
The 62-year-old man was jointly charged with a 56-year-old woman on six counts of failure to comply with standards within the SA Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals.
In addition, the pair was charged with the ill-treatment of ten Border Collie dogs that they owned and which were seized from their Parrakie property by RSPCA inspectors on 23 October 2018. The charge was for failure to provide the dogs with appropriate and adequate living conditions (whether temporary or permanent).
The male defendant pleaded guilty to all the charges and was convicted in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday 9 August 2021.
The magistrate imposed a penalty of $525 for counts 1-6 (failure to comply with SA's dog breeding standards) and $4900 for count 7, ill-treatment of the ten Border Collies. The total penalty of $8050 took into account the defendant's early guilty plea.
He was prohibited from owning any dogs other than four dogs currently in his care. He is required to provide proof to RSPCA SA within 28 days that all four dogs are desexed and registered.
The female defendant is contesting the charges, with the matter returning to the Adelaide Magistrates Court in September.
Emaciated dog found living in squalid conditions
Two Morphett Vale women have avoided serious penalties at Christies Beach Magistrates Court for chronic neglect of their American Bulldog.
The magistrate took into account the trying circumstances of one of the defendants, a single mother of eight suffering from mental health issues.
A prohibition order was made along with an order to surrender any other animals they own within seven days. Both women were placed on 18-month good behaviour bonds. The dog made a full recovery in RSPCA's care and found a new home last October.
The dog is now a healthy weight and is living in its new forever home.
Owner leaves dogs for days without adequate food or water while away for work
A 27-year-old Tailem Bend man has pleaded guilty to two counts of neglect of his two dogs (Kelpie X and Staghound).
Despite his plea, no conviction was recorded with the magistrate ruling that a sentence would impact the man's volunteer work within the community.
The two dogs had been abandoned at the defendant's residence for days at a time without adequate amounts of food or clean water, while he was away for work.
He was fined $800 dollars and directed to surrender any other animals in his custody.
Both dogs were cared for by a volunteer RSPCA foster carer before being adopted in January 2021. Being a bonded pair, they were adopted into the same home. The two dogs are now adopted.
