The RSPCA has successfully prosecuted a Bendigo woman for cruelty to animals after her dog was found to have been starved for an extended period of time.
In 2022, RSPCA Victoria received a report of a severely emaciated greyhound presenting to a veterinary clinic in Bendigo.
The dog’s condition was dire, with significant muscle wasting, an inability to stand, dehydration and hypothermia. Due to the severity of the dog’s condition and poor prognosis, it was humanely euthanized.
The local veterinarian noted that the dog had been suffering for a long time, and a necropsy confirmed severe emaciation and malnutrition.
“The most significant gross findings were severe emaciation, lack of subcutaneous fat stores and the presence of foreign material in the stomach,” said Dr. Gregory of the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic, who performed the necropsy.
“Other changes, including bone marrow atrophy, are largely consistent with reduced protein and caloric intake over a prolonged period, consistent with changes in the body resulting from starvation.”
The RSPCA Victoria charged the dog’s owner with failing to provide the animal with proper and sufficient food, drink or shelter, unreasonably failing to provide veterinary or other appropriate care or treatment for the animal, and cruelty to an animal resulting in the death or serious disability of the animal.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michael Stagg said this case was a heartbreaking example of neglect and cruelty across the state.
“No animal deserves to suffer the way this dog did and sadly cases of this level of neglect are not uncommon,” Chief Inspector Stagg said.
“Pet owners and people in charge of animals need to ensure they are aware of their legal responsibilities to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and routine and emergency veterinary care when needed to prevent this type of harm from happening to animals.”
The woman cited financial constraints as the reason for his inadequate care and was given a 12-month good behavior bond without conviction. The RSPCA was awarded some costs and secured a 10 year dog ownership disqualification order against the woman, excluding her current dog, and a 10 year supervision order.
The offences are under Sections 9 and 10 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. Anyone found guilty of these offenses could face fines of up to $48,077.50 or 12 months imprisonment (for Section 9) and fines of up to $96,155 or 2 years imprisonment (for Section 10).
Anyone with concerns about animal welfare can make a report to the RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or call 03 9224 2222.
