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Pair fined, banned for dog cruelty

Rottweiler-cross named Snoopy. Picture: RSPCA

A Balga couple have been found guilty of animal cruelty and fined for the severe neglect of a Rottweiler-cross named Snoopy.

In the Perth Magistrates Court today, Deborah Hayes, a FIFO worker, was fined $5000 fine and banned for five years from owning any animal.

Ms Hayes partner, William John Warmdean, was also convicted as he was the person in charge at the property where the dog resided.

He also received a fine of $5000 and a five year prohibition order for severe neglect.

He was also fined $1000 for failing to follow directions issued by an RSPCA inspector.

RSPCA inspectors visited their Balga property on August 21, 2013 after receiving a complaint that a dog was kept in terrible conditions.

Snoopy reportedly had a severe skin condition with nearly total fur loss and was unable to stop scratching.

On arrival at the property, inspectors reported a stench coming from the home.

On presentation of the dog they could smell a distinct yeast smell from metres away.

Mr Warmdean was offered to surrender the dog to the RSPCA but refused. He was then directed to seek veterinary treatment for the dog.

After repeated attempts to work with the offender the dog still did not receive veterinary care.

The dog was then seized and taken to RSPCA’s veterinary clinic for treatment.

The dog was found to be suffering from a severe skin disease and bacterial skin infection. The condition resulted in skin thickening, scaling and crusting across his body and trunk.

“This poor dog had worn his teeth to the pulp from chewing his own skin given the irritation associated with the condition.

“This is a disgusting case of neglect which was treatable and preventable,” RSPCA Chief Inspector Amanda Swift said.

“Several attempts were made to direct and assist the owners to fix the situation and have them seek veterinary attention but they were ignored.

“Unfortunately on this occasion, Snoopy’s condition was too far advanced and we were unable to save him.

“It’s disappointing to think that in today’s society an animal has suffered in this unnecessary way,” she said.