A 51-year-old Melton South man pleaded guilty to three charges of animal cruelty at the Sunshine Magistrates Court on 24 March 2025 and was sentenced to four months of imprisonment.
The man owned a Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a non-surgically docked tail and was also suffering from skin and ear infections.
When interviewed, the man admitted to being the sole owner and person in charge of the dog and stated it had not received any veterinary treatment.
The animal was seized and transferred to RSPCA Victoria for veterinary assessment, care and rehabilitation.
RSPCA Victoria's treating veterinarian said the animal was suffering and in pain.
"[The dog's] tail was severed with scar tissues and scabbing over the stump…[and] damaged tail vertebrae likely caused by inflammation and infection," the veterinarian said.
"Docking the puppy's tail by means of strangulation by application of a rubber band would cause great pain and suffering… and is inhumane.
"The tail would have been extremely painful for days [to] weeks after the band was initially applied."
The man was sentenced to four months imprisonment, to be served concurrently with separate offences unrelated to animal welfare.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the man's actions were cruel and torturous.
"This dog suffered extensively and needlessly without veterinary care or assessment," Chief Inspector Green said.
"Tail docking must only be carried out by a veterinary practitioner for therapeutic purposes, and the strangulation method is also a slow and tortuous process that causes extreme pain and suffering to the affected animal.
"RSPCA Victoria will always fight to protect animals from cruel experiences such as this, and we urge anyone in the community with evidence of similar offences to report it as soon as possible."
The relevant offences are covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Anyone found guilty of cruelty offences can face fines of up to $49,397.50 or 12 months' imprisonment.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 03 9224 2222.
It's estimated it will cost RSPCA Victoria more than $10.7 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.
