ABBA RIVER, Western Australia – Three men in Abba River, near Busselton, have been charged in connection with a severe case of animal cruelty involving an Irish wolfhound suffering from advanced testicular cancer. The incident, which occurred in April 2022, led to the dog being seized and subsequently euthanized due to the severity of its condition.
An RSPCA inspector visited the property after receiving reports of a dog in “very poor condition.” Upon arrival, the inspector found the 10-year-old Irish wolfhound confined in a small, filthy cage, surrounded by urine and feces, and with no access to food or water. Additionally, the dog was severely underweight and had a large, infected wound between its legs that was oozing blood and pus.
After being seized, the dog was taken to urgent care, where it was diagnosed with severe dehydration, emaciation, a heavy flea infestation, and an advanced testicular mass. The veterinary opinion was that the dog was suffering so severely that euthanasia was the most humane option. A subsequent post-mortem examination confirmed that the dog had testicular cancer that had spread to its lymph nodes and kidney, with the size of the mass indicating that it had been present for up to a year.
The RSPCA has alleged that the three men, aged 48, 49, and 71, were cruel to the animal by allowing it to suffer harm that could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps. The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison. The three men are scheduled to appear in Busselton Magistrates Court on February 6.
In conclusion, three men in Abba River, near Busselton, have been charged with animal cruelty after a 10-year-old Irish wolfhound was found suffering from severe testicular cancer and later euthanized. The case has drawn attention to the legal consequences of animal cruelty in Western Australia.