Port Kennedy couple accused of leaving dog to suffer severe skin allergies

Monday, 11 December 2023 09:32

By Monique Welhan

A Port Kennedy couple are facing serious animal cruelty charges after allegedly leaving their dog to suffer severe untreated skin allergies.

RSPCA WA inspectors attended the husband and wife’s Port Kennedy home in March 2022 after receiving a report about a brindle and white female American Staffy cross at the property.

The four-year-old dog was allegedly contained in a yard with a large amount of faeces.

It allegedly had several signs of severe allergies including patches of fur missing, raised lumps and thickened, cracked and flaking skin.

The dog was also allegedly scratching incessantly, and her ears were emitting a potent smell.

The 40-year-old male owner allegedly told inspectors the yard has not been cleared of faeces in around six weeks and the dog had never been to a vet for her skin condition.

He surrendered the dog to the RSPCA.

A vet examination noted she was suffering from a flea infestation, had severe and chronic generalised skin disease, conjunctivitis, alopecia, and other allergy related issues.

Both ears were also infected.

The dog was rehabilitated by RSPCA WA and has since been adopted.

The maximum penalty for animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.

The charges will be heard in the Rockingham Magistrates Court on December 15.