A Busselton couple has been arrested on a combined 13 charges of animal cruelty over the alleged beating, torture, abuse and torment of their bull terrier cross puppy.
On 23 December 2024, RSPCA WA and WA Police received a report that the 26-year-old man and 25-year-old woman had been heard on several occasions over many weeks committing the alleged offences against the 14-week-old dog.
The report was accompanied by graphic recordings of the alleged incidents. Loud hitting and smacking noises can be heard, along with the puppy loudly and repeatedly yelping and crying in pain and severe
distress.
Both accused can be heard tormenting the puppy by barking and growling at him and yelling threats to kill and injure.
In one of the recordings, the puppy appears to defecate mid-beating, leading the male accused to scream further profanities. In another, sounds consistent with the puppy being strangled can be heard.
Seven audio recordings were supplied to RSPCA WA in total. The puppy was not seen or heard following the final recording on 23 December.
RSPCA WA inspectors and WA Police officers attended the property on 23 December. The accused admitted to yelling at the puppy, stating they were scared of him and were attempting to discipline him.
The accused said they had taken the puppy to a relative's farm that morning however the relative denied the claim.
A subsequent RSPCA WA search of the couple's home revealed blood droplets and stains on the tiled floor inside and paving outside, blood-stained linen, and an axe with some red marks and blemishes on the lounge near the back door. A search of the accused's car revealed mud and dog faeces in the boot, and a shovel.
The male accused is facing eight charges, and the female accused seven charges under sections 19(1), 19(2)(a) and 76(c) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege they were cruel to the puppy in that they tortured, maliciously beat, abused, tormented and otherwise ill-treated him. Both have also been charged with providing false and misleading information to an RSPCA WA inspector.
The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison. The maximum penalty for providing false or misleading information is a $20,000 fine and one year in prison.
The accused have been granted bail. The charges will be heard in Busselton Magistrates Court on 20 May.
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.
