A 66-year-old woman and 61-year-old man from Southern River have been charged with 23 counts of animal cruelty over an alleged Pomeranian puppy farm operation.
The charges come after an RSPCA WA inspector visited the pair’s property in Southern River last July following a cruelty report from a WA Police detective, alleging a large number of small breed dogs were in ‘poor condition’ at the home.
During the visit, the inspector discovered 50 animals in ill-health at the residence.
The accused woman told the inspector she was a commercial dog breeder and owned all the dogs, though she was unsure of the exact number.
The inspector noted a strong smell of faeces as she approached the large kennel block on the property and observed a build-up of dog faeces in the drains outside the kennels.
Several Pomeranian dogs were found confined in the kennels, either alone or in groups of up to four, with dirty, matted coats.
According to the RSPCA, each kennel had some water; however the floors were covered in urine, the drains were clogged with fur and faeces, and the dogs only had hard plastic beds with no bedding.
Some of the dogs showed signs of severe dental disease or poor physical health, while others were spinning in their kennels, indicating possible neurological issues.
Additionally, some were ‘extremely fearful’ and exhibited abnormal psychological behaviours in response to the inspector’s presence.
The inspector estimated that there were 42 dogs at the property, including two terrier-type dogs and a Chihuahua, along with three cats, three chickens, and two deceased roosters.
The accused woman told the RSPCA she was unsure when the dogs had last seen a vet and claimed she checked on them “every day” but had not inspected the kennels that week or fed the animals since the day before.
Six dogs and three cats that appeared to be in urgent need of veterinary care were surrendered to RSPCA WA that day.
After those nine animals were examined by RSPCA vets, it became clear that their health concerns were more severe than initially thought.
Inspectors returned to the property to seize the remaining animals, but the accused opted to surrender all of them, except for six Pomeranians and two terriers, which were then seized.
All animals from the property were examined by RSPCA WA vets, who found a myriad of health problems related to their alleged confinement and lack of veterinary care.
Two dogs sadly had to be humanely euthanised based on veterinary advice.
All other animals removed from the property have either been adopted or are in foster care, continuing their recovery.
Charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2002, the two accused are alleged by RSPCA WA to have caused unnecessary harm to the animals by confining them improperly, failing to provide sufficient food and water, and neglecting to take reasonable steps to alleviate their suffering.
The pair will face the Armadale Magistrates Court next Friday, December 13.
Animal cruelty charges carry a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
As the RSPCA relies on the community to report suspected cruelty and neglect, incidents can be reported 24/7 by calling 1300 278 358 or online at rspcawa.org.au.
