A 28-year-old woman from Kenwick has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly failing to seek veterinary care for her Jack Russell Terrier, who had sustained life-threatening injuries in a fight with her other dog.
In August, RSPCA WA inspectors interviewed the Kenwick woman after WA Police had removed the injured dog and taken him to a nearby vet for urgent treatment.
The accused told inspectors the Jack Russell terrier had been in a fight with her other dog, and after separating them, the injured dog could not get up off the ground.
According to the RSPCA, she said she knew the dog needed treatment for his injuries but “just kept checking on him.”
She wrapped the injured dog in a blanket; however, for the two days between the incident and his removal by police, he did not move, eat, or drink.
A vet at Kenwick Veterinary Hospital said the Jack Russell Terrier was suffering from hypothermia, had multiple large open wounds, resembling dog bite marks, on his neck and shoulders, bruising on his throat, had a dangerously low heart rate of 20 beats per minute, and likely a brainstem injury.
The veterinarian also said the dog was unconscious, unresponsive, and in severe shock due to organ failure and irreversible tissue damage.
The dog was seized and taken to Perth Vet Emergency for overnight monitoring after the accused refused to surrender him.
Due to his extensive injuries and the unlikely possibility of a full recovery, the dog was humanely euthanised that evening.
The accused was charged under two sections of the Animal Welfare Act, with RSPCA WA alleging she was cruel to the animal, as the dog suffered harm that could have been alleviated by her taking reasonable steps.
The charges are set to be heard in Armadale Magistrates Court on December 13.
The maximum penalty for an animal cruelty charge is a fine of up to $50,000 and five years in prison.
If you suspect cruelty or neglect towards an animal, you can report it to the RSPCA WA by calling 1300 278 358 or online at rspcawa.org.au.
