Man muzzles dog with cable tie in horrific act of animal cruelty
A South Australian man who muzzled his German Shepherd with a cable tie, preventing the dog from eating, drinking or panting has been placed on a good behaviour bond.
Yum Ho Chan, 48, appeared in Mt Gambier Magistrates Court on Friday and admitted to a charge of ill-treating11-month-old dog Chloe.
The court was told members of the public called the RSPCA and police in March after spotting Chloe in the backyard of a home, tethered and with a cable tie around her muzzle.
The dog appeared unable to breathe properly and was in distress.
After the tie was released she drank for some time before being taken to a vet for checks.
RSPCA South Australia's Chief Veterinarian Brad Ward said preventing a dog opening her mouth would severely inhibit her ability to regulate her body temperature.
"Panting is the main way in which dogs cool their bodies because unlike us they do not have an effective system of sweat glands," Dr Ward said.
"If you prevent a dog from cooling its body in this way, you put it at extreme risk of overheating, particularly in warm weather.
"Dogs must be able to cool themselves through their mouths, not to mention be able to drink and eat with ease."
Chan's lawyer told the court his client secured the cable tie in the morning, intending to remove it before he left for work but forgot to.
Magistrate John Fahey placed Chan on a two-year good behaviour bond, ordered he pay $1600 in vet bills and legal costs and banned him from owning animals for two years.
The RSPCA said Chloe had recovered and been rehomed.
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