Hefty $21,000 fine for man accused of starving dogs: 'Shocking'

Neighbours told investigating officers the dogs had been underweight for some time, but in recent days had become sickly skinny.

Joe Attanasio
·Senior Reporter
Updated ·2-min read

A Western Australian man has copped a hefty fine and been banned from owning animals for three years after two dogs in his possession were found starved and in "shocking" health.

The 31-year-old had two dogs living at his Perth home — a 13-year-old kelpie-cross named Sydney and a five-year-old maremma named Lucha — who each were dangerously underweight.

When RSPCA officers attended the property for a welfare check back in March, they found Sydney weighed just nine kilograms, while Lucha only 17. Maremmas weigh on average between 30 and 45kgs.

A Western Australia man has been ordered to pay upward of $7000 after two dogs in his possession were found seriously underweight. Source: RSPCA.
A Western Australia man has been ordered to pay upwards of $7000 after two dogs in his possession were found seriously underweight. Source: RSPCA.

Neighbours told investigating officers the dogs had been underweight for some time, but in recent days had become sickly skinny.

The two dogs were seized from the property and the man was ordered to pay $21,000 in court and care costs to RSPCA WA.

The man faced a Perth court on Friday, where he was slapped with an additional $5000 fine. In sentencing, Magistrate Colin Roberts described the dogs’ condition as "shocking".

Underfed pets a major concern for RSPCA

Kylie Green, RSPCA WA Inspector Manager, said the animals' weight was a result of serious neglect over an extended period of time.

"This was not a case of missing a few meals, these dogs had been skinny for many weeks and the offender

did nothing," she said. "Sydney and Lucha were skeletal when they arrived at RSPCA WA. They’re looking much happier and healthier now, but it’s unacceptable that they were allowed to deteriorate into such poor condition. Sadly, pets without enough food or water is one of the top concerns reports to RSPCA WA–we get, on average, more than 30 calls a week."

Sydney and Lucha have gained a combined 15kg since being seized and each continue to recover in foster care.

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