A Nelsons Plains man has been charged with multiple animal cruelty offences after a Bull Arab dog was found starving.
The charged include failing to provide proper and sufficient food and failing to provide veterinary treatment to his emaciated Bull Arab named Lila.
In December 2020, the mans landlord heard Lila crying from the backyard and found her lying motionless in the sun with no food or water. The dog was so weak she was unable to stand on her own.
The Landlord took Lila to a local Vet the following day who found the dog was more than half the healthy weight of a dog her age and breed, weighing just 14.1kgs. The vet determined Lila had not been properly fed for up to eight weeks.
RSPCA NSW Inspector Jarman says Lila was the skinniest dog he had witnessed during all of his days working 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," Mr Jarman said.
On 6 January 2021, an RSPCA NSW 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.
The man faced Raymond Terrace Local Court on August 30, 2021 where 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.
Lila is now in the care of the landlord, who has taken responsibility for her treatment, including the significant costs associated with her rehabilitation and on-going management.
RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector Scott Meyers says there is no excuse to effectively starve an animal who is wholly dependent upon you.
"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," Mr Meyers said.
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| Pictured: Lila after being found starving. |
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| Pictured: Lila today after being cared for by her new owner. |
