A 31-year-old Truganina man has been found guilty of five counts of animal cruelty over the mistreatment of a dog.
The man pleaded guilty in the Werribee Magistrates Court to inappropriate confinement of an animal, beating an animal and failing to provide veterinary treatment relating to his dog.
After receiving a report of animal cruelty at the man’s home in 2022, the RSPCA Victoria inspectors attended the property to find the dog living in a small temporary pen with concrete flooring, without weatherproof shelter, and a build-up of excrement in the pen and feeding area.
Following the visit, inspectors issued two Notices to Comply, instructing the man to provide clean living conditions and appropriate confinement for his dog, and to arrange a veterinary exam.
The man failed to do so and surrendered his dog to RSPCA.
Once in care, RSPCA Victoria’s veterinarians found the dog was suffering from infected wounds and untreated physical injuries, in addition to metal prongs from an electric shock collar embedded in his neck and fractures in his cheekbone, skull and vertebra.
During sentencing, Magistrate Julia Barling said, “Hearing that summary made me feel sick, you are very lucky I am not sending you to jail. I am appalled by your behaviour”.
The RSPCA Victoria’s chief inspector Michael Stagg said he hoped the court’s decision would send a strong message to other would-be offenders.
“This is a strong outcome and sends a tough message that animal cruelty won’t be tolerated by the community, by RSPCA Victoria, or by the courts,“ he said.
“No animal deserves to suffer the way this dog did, and we will continue to investigate reports like these that come in from the community.“
The man has been convicted and sentenced to a Community Correction Order for 18 months. He must complete an animal cruelty program and is banned from owning dogs for ten years. Costs of $352.69 were awarded to RSPCA Victoria.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals can report to rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or call 03 9224 2222.
