A Redcliffe couple has been fined a total of $11,000 and banned from owning animals for five years after their two malnourished dogs were seized by RSPCA Western Australia (WA) inspectors.
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The 40-year-old woman and her 38-year-old partner were each fined $2000 for animal cruelty and $1500 for failing to comply with written directions from inspectors. They were also ordered to pay more than $1200 in costs.
RSPCA WA began investigating after receiving a cruelty report in September 2024 about the couple’s two dogs, Misty and Brooklyn, both Staffy crosses. Inspectors who attended the property found the animals underweight and offered the owners feeding advice, food, and the option to surrender the dogs if they were unable to care for them.
When the offer was declined, the pair were issued with written directions to ensure the animals were provided with sufficient food and water. These instructions were ignored, and the dogs were later seized and taken to RSPCA’s Malaga facility.
Veterinary examinations revealed both animals were significantly underweight, with Brooklyn also mildly dehydrated. They were so desperate for food that they had to be sedated before being examined. Misty and Brooklyn were also found to have ear infections and dental fractures requiring treatment.
The court heard that the poor body condition of both dogs was due to inadequate nutrition. Under RSPCA care, Misty gained more than six kilograms in eight weeks and Brooklyn nearly nine kilograms in 14 weeks. Both continue to recover in foster care and have been permanently forfeited to the organisation.
“In foster care, life turned around for these pooches. With proper feeding, rest, and plenty of love, Misty gained 6.3 kg in just eight weeks, and Brooklyn put on 8.9 kg in 14 weeks. Today, both continue to recover in the safety and comfort of their foster homes,” the RSPCA WA shared through a Facebook post.
Magistrate Brionie Ayling noted that the couple had been struggling with their own circumstances but stressed this did not reduce the seriousness of the neglect. She said they were in no position to be caring for animals and had left the dogs to fend for themselves.
RSPCA WA said the case showed how some owners still failed their pets despite being offered support and alternatives. The organisation emphasised that the failure to provide basic food and water was unacceptable and that the court’s decision reflected this.
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The couple was convicted under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. While their penalties were significant, the court noted the maximum penalty for animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
The RSPCA has urged the public to continue reporting cases of suspected cruelty and neglect through its 24-hour hotline 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358).
Published 18-August-2025