A man from Western Sydney has been convicted of animal cruelty after being found guilty of seven offences contrary to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) (POCTAA) for failing to provide veterinary treatment for an injured, emaciated dog in his care.
The defendant appeared via AVL in Blacktown Local Court on 7 August 2026, after a warrant was issued for his arrest the previous month. He originally received a fixed six-month prison term for failing to treat an emaciated female Ridgeback cross which was reduced to three months on appeal in October 2026. For six related offences, he was fined $3,100 and ordered to pay RSPCA NSW $1,991.83 in animal care costs. He was also disqualified from owning, keeping or caring for animals for five years.
In facts tendered, the Court heard that RSPCA NSW Inspectors attended the defendant’s property in April 2026 in response to a report regarding two dogs fighting and alleged ill-treatment.
The defendant was home and RSPCA NSW Inspectors went into the backyard where a Ridgeback cross was located under a caravan. The dog was tangled up in a chain tether which restricted her movement. After being unclipped and immediately urinating, she was seen to be visibly underweight, lame on her front leg and had visible injuries on her face and legs.
Some of the injuries the dog had sustained.
The defendant was questioned and confirmed he was the owner of the Ridgeback cross, while the Staffy also on the property was owned by his mother. He confirmed the two dogs fought regularly, including a fight about two weeks previously, and that he had not sought any veterinary treatment for the resulting injuries to the Ridgeback.
The Ridgeback was seized and the defendant offered the option to surrender the dog, which he declined.
Upon veterinary examination of the Ridgeback, it was found that:
- The dog was in an emaciated body condition with the highest possible score for emaciation (TACC 5/5), for a period of no less than four weeks resulting in unnecessary suffering.
- The dog had worn incisors and canines for a period of no less than four weeks, which is a painful condition due to inflammation and periodontal bone loss restricting ability to eat, which can ultimately result in tooth loss or systemic infections if not managed.
- The dog was found to have a flea infestation for a period of no less than two weeks.
- The dog had weight bearing left forelimb lameness and reduced hindlimb range of motion with muscle wastage for a period of no less than two weeks, having a profound impact on mobility, source of discomfort and pain.
- The dog had left hindlimb paw dermatitis for a period of no less than two weeks, causing itching, discomfort and a thickening of the skin, indicating chronic inflammation.
- The dog had untreated wounds which caused a swollen skin infection below the right eye and wrist for a period of no less than one week.
- The dog had fly bites on the left ear for a period of no less than three days resulting in pain and discomfort.
Unfortunately, the dog developed acute gastrointestinal signs and tested positive for canine parvovirus infection while receiving treatment. Despite the best efforts of the veterinary team, the animal’s condition continued to decline and was humanely euthanised to prevent further suffering.
“Animals are vulnerable and dependent on the humans around them. It was clear this dog needed help and pet owners need to be held to account when they fail to meet these needs,” an Inspector involved in the matter said.
RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector Scott Meyers added: “RSPCA NSW is pleased to see the outcome of this matter reflect the serious, inhumane acts of animal cruelty committed by the defendant.
“The custodial sentence aligns with community animal welfare expectations and sends an important message that there are severe consequences for people who mistreat animals and allow them to suffer in their care.”
RSPCA NSW would like to remind the community that if you have any concerns about an animal’s welfare, please call our cruelty hotline on 02 9770 7555.
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If you have animal welfare concerns, please call RSPCA NSW to investigate on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589) or 9770 7555.
