Dog untreated after being hit by car

A Ridgewood man has been banned from owning an animal after his pet dog was hit by a car and he failed to provide medical treatment for six months.

Andy Thanh Tiet was sentenced in Joondalup Magistrate's Court on Friday after pleading guilty to animal cruelty

RSPCA WA received a call about Chopper, a young brindle male Mastiff cross, saying the dog had been hit by a car and Mr Tiet had not sought treatment for him.

An RSPCA inspector found Chopper was not able to bear weight on his left hind leg, was very slow and unsteady and had significant muscle wastage

The dog was also underweight.

Mr Tiet told the inspector Chopper had been hit by a car six months earlier and while the dog had been taken to a vet, he could not afford the surgery.

Chopper was taken to the nearest vet for immediate pain relief and was later transferred to RSPCA where he received a full orthopaedic examination.

The treating vet said Chopper had suffered an acute painful traumatic which caused fractures in his left hip and damage to his right hock.

"Left untreated, the injured progressed to a chronic pain state, with resultant severe immobility and postural changes," the vet said.

As well as being banned from owning an animal for 10 years, Mr Tiet was ordered to serve 120 hours of community service

RSPCA WA chief executive David Van Ooran said to organisation was pleased with the outcome and that receiving the maximum community service penalty sent a strong message to animal owners that such negligence would not be tolerated.

“People need to be aware of their responsibilities as a pet owner, as there are consequences if you do not uphold them," he said.

“It is an offence to deny any animal vet treatment. If you cannot afford vet treatment you should investigate all options including help from welfare agencies or perhaps making payment plan arrangements with the vet."