Rockingham couple fined $10k after elderly dog found with maggot infestation, skin infections

A Rockingham couple have been fined $10,000 and banned from owning an animal for 10 years after failing to seek vet care for their elderly dog.

In October 2022, a City of Rockingham ranger made a cruelty report to RSPCA WA after a 14-year-old male Bichon Frise presented to the City as a stray.

The ranger reported the dog, known as Pepe, was in “very poor condition”’ had a foul smell, had a dental infection, and had hair mats over his legs, paws and face.

A vet examination revealed Pepe was in “severe pain” and suffering due to severe neglect. 

He screamed when touched and his coat was covered in 8-10cm deep mats with prickles, grass seeds, and sticks imbedded throughout it.

Pepe could not see properly due to the matting on his face and his teeth were rotten and black.

He was also emitting a foul odour, described by the vet as smelling like rotting flesh, attributed to multiple skin infections and maggot infestations.

Sadly, Pepe was humanly euthanised.

When interviewed by an RSPCA WA inspector, the male offender stated he and his partner had owned Pepe for about eight years and admitted to failing to take Pepe to a vet, despite being aware there was something “obviously wrong”.

In sentencing, Magistrate Linda Keane told the owners, a 67-year-old man and 73-year-old woman, that it was an extreme example of neglect.

“You could have surrendered that dog. Anyone would know within our community that there are people willing to take on the rescue of small fluffy white dogs. You chose a death sentence for this dog whose final months and at least years must have involved incredible suffering.”

RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green agreed and said there was no excuse for Pepe’s prolonged suffering.

“Time and again we urge people who find they are no longer able to care for their animals to reach out before their pets suffer needlessly.”

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.