A 40-year-old man has pleaded responsible to failing to supply veterinary therapy to his 4 Staffordshire Terrier dogs, after they had been discovered to be in extraordinarily poor physique situation and affected by inside parasites.
RSPCA NSW Inspectors attended the defendant’s property in August 2023, after receiving a cruelty grievance regarding 4 underweight dogs and their residing situations.
Inspectors examined the dogs within the presence of the defendant’s companion and located all to be in very poor physique situation. One canine was so weak and emaciated that he was not capable of stand with out issue.
All 4 dogs had been seized and transported to an RSPCA NSW Veterinary Hospital for pressing therapy. On admission, the veterinarian decided one of many dogs was in such a poor state of well being that he required 24-hour care. He was transferred to Animal Referral Hospital Homebush for additional therapy, nevertheless, was sadly later euthanised because of the extent of his well being points.
A necropsy was carried out that confirmed the canine was emaciated, with a physique situation rating of 5/5, the place 5 is emaciated and one is good, based mostly on the TACC Animal Care and Condition scales. The canine was affected by extreme and continual pneumonia in addition to a hookworm infestation, roundworm infestation and coccidia burden.
An examination of the opposite three dogs confirmed every to be severely underweight with a physique rating of 4/5. All three dogs had been discovered to even be affected by hookworm, with two discovered to be affected by coccidia burden as effectively.
Hookworm, coccidia and roundworm are all intestinal worms which may trigger extreme signs akin to anaemia, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weak spot and weight reduction.
The defendant admitted that he was conscious the dogs had been underweight, nevertheless he asserted that he didn’t present veterinary therapy, as he couldn’t afford it. The man claimed that he all the time had meals for the dogs and had final wormed them in roughly June 2023.
In RSPCA NSW custody the three surviving dogs had been examined by a registered veterinarian, vaccinated, wormed, and handled for fleas.
Intake screening returned constructive outcomes for intestinal parasites, which resolved after therapy with commercially available worming therapies. All three dogs demonstrated appreciable weight acquire and a major enchancment in physique situation while within the care of RSPCA NSW, after being fed a correct and adequate weight-reduction plan.
During sentencing at Penrith Local Court, the Justice of the Peace stated the offending was severe.
The defendant was convicted in his absence and fined $2000. One canine, which had not been surrendered, was forfeited to the RSPCA and a two-year disqualification order was made. Veterinary care and shelter prices within the sum of $10,148.98 had been awarded to RSPCA NSW.
“This case reinforces the crucial role that preventative health care plays when it comes to keeping our pets healthy and safe,” stated RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector, Scott Meyers.
“Providing routine worming treatment can help protect animals from a range of life-threatening parasites and infections. If your pet is presenting any unusual symptoms such as weight loss, please contact your local vet immediately, before it is too late.”
RSPCA NSW stated two of the dogs, Pina and Colada, had been adopted by the identical household and at the moment are having fun with their endlessly home, collectively.
The third canine stays in RSPCA care.
