Cooloongup man fined after dog found severely underweight and living in filth

A 38-year-old Cooloongup man has been fined $4000 and banned from owning a dog for two years after being convicted of animal cruelty.

The man's eight-year-old Bull Terrier named Harvey was reported to the RSPCA in March by a concerned member of the public.

When RSCPA inspectors attended the Cooloongup property they found Harvey severely underweight with his ribs, hips and spine visible.

Harvey had no food and dirty water and was living in a concrete carport surrounded by rubbish and faeces.

Inspectors seized the brindle and white Bull Terrier and he was taken to a vet.

The dog's owner told the court he could not afford to care for Harvey and sometimes forgot to feed him.

He took full responsibility.

Harvey has since made a full recovery and has gained close to a third of his body weight.

Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations, Hannah Dreaver, said this was a classic case of unnecessary neglect.

“Unfortunately we see these types of cases all too often,” Hannah said.

“Providing your animals with enough food and water and providing them with a suitable environment to live in along with necessary vet care is the absolute minimum people should do.

“Harvey was left seemingly forgotten on the concrete floor of a carport, hungry and thirsty and surrounded by rubbish and filth.

“The Animal Welfare Act is very clear this kind of neglect constitutes animal cruelty and offenders face a criminal conviction, financial penalties and even jail time.

“Harvey has become a bit of an office favourite in his time with us. He is affectionate, engaging and a little cheeky. It’s heartbreaking to think of him so hungry and ignored.”

RSPCA WA Acting Inspector Manager Kylie Green and Harvey. PIC: RSPCA WA

RSPCA WA staff member Lou Rowe and Harvey. PIC: RSPCA WA

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.