A man and a woman from Embleton, Western Australia, were each fined $2,000 and banned from owning animals for six months after admitting to cruelty involving their elderly Japanese Spitz, Bei Bei. RSPCA WA reported that the dog suffered from a tongue growth and necrosis that left him unable to eat properly; he died the following day while receiving further treatment under general anaesthetic.
What happened to Bei Bei?
RSPCA WA reported that Perth Magistrates Court heard a cruelty report was received in June 2023 about a dog at an Embleton home who appeared very unwell and was frothing at the mouth. When an inspector attended, Bei Bei was underweight, had blood-tinged saliva and pus coming from his mouth, and had an extremely dirty coat. He was lying on a mouldy dog bed. RSPCA WA said one of the owners told the inspector that the dog was “just getting old.”
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Bei Bei had been taken to a veterinarian on 24 June 2023. According to RSPCA WA, the owners did not follow advice to return in two or three days for further treatment under sedation. After the inspector seized him, an emergency veterinarian reportedly found a mass and necrosis that had made his tongue immobile, leaving him unable to eat properly. He was severely emaciated, with a reported body score of two out of nine, and also had a mass on his anus.
RSPCA WA said Bei Bei stopped breathing and died the following day while under general anaesthetic at the RSPCA facility in Malaga for further treatment. The reports do not establish the precise medical cause of his death.
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What sentence did the couple receive?
In its 22 January 2024 sentencing report, RSPCA WA said the couple admitted the conduct and were convicted under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of Western Australia’s Animal Welfare Act 2002. The case was described as cruelty by allowing harm that could have been alleviated through reasonable steps.
- Fine: $2,000 for each defendant.
- Animal-ownership ban: six months for each defendant.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said: “This was a lovely dog, relying on his owners to look after him in his old age.” Green also said, “To be left filthy, emaciated, in pain and unable to eat or even swallow his own saliva properly was cruel and I’m pleased the court has recognised that today.” The statements were published in RSPCA WA’s sentencing report.
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How did the case reach sentencing?
An earlier RSPCA WA report dated 20 November 2023 said the couple had been charged and the allegations were due to be heard in Perth Magistrates Court on 24 November. That was the charge-stage account; the later January report records the admission, conviction and sentence. PerthNow’s report published on 22 January 2024 also reported the $2,000 fines and six-month bans.
What penalty did RSPCA WA report as the maximum?
RSPCA WA’s sentencing report stated that the maximum penalty for an animal-cruelty charge was a $50,000 fine and five years’ imprisonment. That figure is the maximum described in that case report, not independent current legal advice.
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- SOFA BED DESIGN: This bolster dog bed is designed with 3-sided bolsters to offer additional support for your pet’s neck and head, promoting restful sleep. The surrounding sides encourage your dog to snuggle in and enjoy a comfortable night's rest.
- WATERPROOF COVER: A waterproof film is positioned between the fleece surface and the bottom fabric, ensuring the dog bed remains dry. However, the faux linen sides are not waterproof.
- EXTREME COMFORT & MULTIPLE SIZES: The sleeping surface is covered with cozy fleece, creating a soft and inviting sleeping area for your pet. Whatever the size of your dog, we have a dog bed suitable for medium, large, and extra-large breeds.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Our dog bed features a removable and washable cover with a zipper closure, making it easy to clean. Remove the foam insert, and the cover can be washed in a machine. Please note that the foam insert is not washable. Allow the bed to expand for 24-48 hours after unpacking.
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