A 20-year-old Port Stephens man was convicted and sentenced at Raymond Terrace Local Court last month after failing to provide sufficient food and veterinary treatment do his dog, Lila.
On 1 December 2020, the defendant’s landlord heard Lila crying from the backyard and found her lying motionless in the sun with no food or water. She was unable to stand on her own.
The landlord took the dog to a local veterinarian the following day who found that she was emaciated. Weighing just 14.1kg Lila was more than half the healthy weight of a dog her age and breed.
The examining vet determined that Lila had not been properly fed for up to eight weeks.
RSPCA NSW Inspector Jarman said she was “the skinniest dog I have witnessed in all my working days as an inspector”.
“It’s a miracle she was able to make the physical recovery that she has, and that she has found an owner committed to her long-term health and happiness after such significant trauma,” Inspector Jarman said.
On 6 January 2021, an inspector spoke to the defendant and observed Lila, who had made improvements due to the care and veterinary assistance sought by the landlord.
The defendant confirmed he was the owner of the three-year-old Bull Arab dog and said that he had been feeding her approximately five times a week.
Magistrate Cheetham commented that the defendant’s attempts to feed his dog were grossly unsuccessful and disqualified him from owning any animal for 5 years.
The defendant was convicted, placed on an 18-month community corrections order, and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
The ownership of Lila was transferred to the landlord, who took responsibility for the treatment of the dog, including the significant costs associated with her rehabilitation and on-going management.
Lila is now healthy after receiving treatment.
“There is no excuse to effectively starve an animal who is wholly dependent upon you,” RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector Scott Meyers said.
“We implore people who are struggling to meet the basic needs of their pets to seek appropriate help, whether that is financial, mental health, or other reasons. Cruelty of this nature is preventable.”
If you have witnessed animal cruelty, including neglect or abandonment, you should report it via phone or online. Call 1300 278 3589 or go to the RSPCA NSW website.
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