A 28-year-old Penrith man was convicted and sentenced in his absence atPenrith Local court on 23 June 2021 for multiple offences of animal cruelty.
These charges relate to five separate incidents of cruelty which includedthe man whipping, dragging, kicking, punching, and throwing a white and tanStaffordshire Terrier in his care.
On 27 October 2020, RSPCA NSW inspectors attended the Penrith property withNSW Police, following reports of the man repeatedly punching the dog in thehead and flinging it over a gate by the collar.
After being cautioned by an RSPCA NSW inspector, the man admitted that he wasthe owner of the Staffordshire Terrier and alleged that he was discipliningthe dog by smacking it.
RSPCA NSW inspectors witnessed the dog crumple to the ground and cower in fearwhen in the presence of the defendant.
The Staffordshire Terrier was seized for veterinary assessment where evidenceof muscle damage as a result of trauma was discovered. The dog had beentormented to the degree he was terrified and displayed fearful behaviourtowards men.
The man was convicted and fined a total amount of $2100. He was also orderedto pay $9370.50 in veterinary treatment and shelter costs. Magistrate VanZuylen, sitting at Penrith Local Court disqualified him from owning any animalfor 5 years and ordered to report to Penrith police station forfingerprinting.
The male Staffordshire Terrier, named Hercules, was forfeited to RSPCA NSWwhere he is currently undergoing behavioural assessment.
RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector Scott Meyers said, “Pet ownership is a privilege,not a right. All animals deserve to find a home where they are safe from harm,especially from their owners.
“RSPCA NSW recommends training to be based on positive reinforcement, there isno excuse for physically abusing your pets.”
Image: Hercules the Staffordshire Terrier with an RSPCA NSW inspector
Previous Crews Searched Collapsed Fla. Condo for Missing Pets BeforeDemolition: ‘No Stone Unturned’
Next Nestlé Purina Australia removes 16.7 tonnes of plastic packaging