A 69-year-old woman and her 66-year-old brother from Maddington have each been fined $6,000 and prohibited from owning animals for five years after being found guilty of animal cruelty at Armadale Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Additionally, the male offender was fined $2,000 for obstructing an RSPCA WA inspector, whom he hindered and verbally abused while she was performing her duties.
In March last year, RSPCA officers attended the pair’s home following a cruelty report regarding a sheep that appeared to be underweight and had difficulty walking.
Upon entering the property, the RSPCA inspector observed the three-year-old ram, Cara, lying down and seemingly unable to stand.
The male offender said the sheep had arthritis and could only stand with assistance. Once lifted, Cara hesitated to walk and couldn’t bear the weight on his front right leg.
The male offender claimed a vet had previously advised only anti-inflammatory medication was needed. However, the vet also advised that Cara required x-rays and further testing or humane euthanasia, but the owners didn’t take action.
After reviewing footage, the vet noted the ram appeared “significantly worse,” lame, and likely in severe pain.
The offenders were directed to take Cara to a vet and follow their advice. Although they took him for pain relief, euthanasia was recommended, but the female offender refused to comply.
Upon returning, the inspector found Cara standing on three legs and shuffling for balance. The inspector seized the ram, but the male offender attempted to physically stop the seizure and verbally abused the inspector.
After being seized, Cara was taken to an external veterinary clinic, where the vet recommended humane euthanasia after two days due to severe lameness and pain, with no improvement despite daily medication.
During their sentencing, Magistrate Matthew Holgate said the offenders had shown a lack of remorse for their actions, describing it as “serious conduct as it involved neglect of a higher nature” and the offenders had “complete disregard of expert evidence and advice”.
They were found to be cruel to an animal by allowing the ram to suffer harm that could have been alleviated through reasonable steps and were also ordered to pay nearly $13,000 in legal costs.
The pair’s ban on animal ownership was granted a delayed start until 25 October to allow them time to rehome their remaining animals.
The maximum penalty for an animal cruelty charge is a $50,000 fine and up to five years in prison.
If you suspect any animal cruelty, contact RSPCA WA’s 24/7 phone number at 1300 278 358 or report it online at rspcawa.org.au.
