A South West couple is facing a combined 26 charges of animal cruelty after allegedly using their dogs to attack, torment, abuse, and bring down feral pigs in an unnecessarily cruel manner.
While pig hunting in WA is not illegal, RSPCA WA alleges the manner in which the pair engaged in the practice was in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and constituted cruelty to animals.
An investigation was launched into the 24-year-old man and 21-year-old woman after social media videos of the two promoting the activities were brought to the attention of RSPCA WA.
In the vision posted to social media, the accused pair can be seen allowing pigs to be attacked, abused and tormented by a pack of up to five dogs.
In relation to the dogs used to hunt the pigs, it is alleged the pair worked and encouraged the dogs to lunge, bite and attack the pigs for extended periods of time.
The accused have been charged under section 19(1), 19(2)(e), 19(3)(b)(ii), and 19(3)(c)(ii) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. It is alleged that they were cruel to the feral pigs in that they restrained and captured the pigs in order to inflict unnecessary harm on them.
The accused were also charged under section 32(1) for taking part in and promoting a prohibited activity by releasing feral pigs for the purposes of enabling the feral pigs to be hunted, fought and chased by a pack of dogs.
The charges will be heard in the Manjimup Magistrates Court on 27 June 2024.
The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty and for engaging in a prohibited activity is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
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
