Man charged with failure to take reasonable steps to mitigate serious harm suffered by his ten-year-old dog with a host of medical issues.
A 42-year-old Port Pirie man who pleaded guilty to one count of animal ill-treatment under the SA Animal Welfare Act was convicted in the Port Pirie Magistrates Court yesterday.
The man was charged with failure to take reasonable steps to mitigate serious harm suffered by his ten-year-old dog with a host of medical issues.
An RSPCA South Australia inspector first attended the defendant's property on 30 April 2024 responding to a cruelty report about a small white terrier with lesions that appeared infected and smelt terrible. The inspector was informed by the defendant that the male dog, named Lin Tan, had died a month earlier as the result of a stroke.
On 13 May 2024, RSPCA SA received a cruelty report regarding concern for a severely matted dog. On 4 June 2024, an RSPCA SA inspector attended the defendant's new address, and his 77-year-old mother answered the door with a small white dog that she referred to as Lin Tan. As well as being severely matted, the dog had a black substance around his eyes and overgrown nails on his hind feet. The defendant was issued a formal warning to seek veterinary treatment for the dog by 11 June 2024.
On the 11 June 2024, the inspector followed up with the local vet and was advised that although an appointment had been booked, the defendant never attended.
On 20 June 2024, the inspector re-attended the property with SA Police and seized the dog before transporting it to RSPCA SA's animal care campus at O'Halloran Hill for examination by a vet.
The dog was diagnosed with an advanced infection in both ears, chronic dental disease with 39 teeth missing and three requiring removal, an abscess in his right anal sack, an oronasal fistula, grade 2 heart murmur and active inflammation in both eyes.
In the Port Pirie Magistrates Court yesterday, His Honour Magistrate Ben Sale acknowledged that the dog should not have been allowed to deteriorate to the state that he was found in.
His Honour sentenced the defendant to a two-year good behaviour bond, 30 hours of community service, $2512 in boarding and medical costs, and $387 in legal fees. He is also prohibited from owning any animals. A degree of lenience was exercised as the defendant had an apparent intellectual disability. The original charges against the defendant's mother were dropped due to her age and poor health.
RSPCA SA Chief Inspector Andrew Baker said the defendant had chosen to ignore his dog's clear need for veterinary treatment.
"We remind pet owners to take immediate action when their animals are in need," he said.
"If you are a pet owner, it is your responsibility to take care of your animal and seek vet treatment if needed – failure to do so is unacceptable and cruel."
Lin Tan was forfeited to RSPCA SA and has now been adopted by his foster carer.
Under SA's Animal Welfare Act, the maximum penalty for animal cruelty is $20,000 or two years' imprisonment. For an aggravated cruelty offence, the maximum penalty is $50,000 or four years' imprisonment.
RSPCA South Australia is the state's only animal welfare charity with inspectors empowered to prosecute animal cruelty under SA's Animal Welfare Act.
Members of the public who witness animal cruelty or neglect are urged to immediately call RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty report hotline on 1300 477 722.
