Midland man charged after old Labrador found ‘unresponsive’ with ‘rockmelon-sized’ growth

A Midland man will face court charged with animal cruelty almost two years after an 18-year-old pet dog was found unresponsive with a growth the size of a “rockmelon”.

A 54-year-old man has been charged by RSPCA inspectors after he allegedly failed to take reasonable steps to help his “severely emaciated” Labrador that was found at his Eden Hill property in March 2022.

WARNING: GRAPHIC DETAILS

The allegations come after a member of the public told the RSPCA they had concerns about a dog that looked as if “all of his insides had come out”.

“RSPCA WA inspectors attended the property where the accused told them he had a ‘poor old dog’ who’s condition was ‘terrible,’ a spokesperson said.

“The inspectors found the dog unresponsive with a rockmelon-sized growth on his anal region which had open wounds and was emitting an offensive odour and attracting flies and maggots.

“The dog was also underweight, with an outline of his ribs, hips and spine visible and had a distended abdomen.

“He also had sunken eyes with discharge coming out of them, and a chronic skin condition.”

Inspectors were allegedly told the dog’s condition had been deteriorating since December 2021 before the dog was voluntarily surrendered to a vet in Malaga.

The dog was euthanised by a vet after an assessment deemed it was “suffering from extreme pain” and that the “mass was inoperable”.

“An RSPCA WA vet noted the dog was severely emaciated with a body condition score of 1/9, with 5/9 considered ideal,” a spokesperson continued.

“He was also suffering from dehydration, severe dental disease, severe osteoarthritis, and chronic skin disease.”

“His large perianal mass was ulcerated and had become necrotic.”

Inspectors allege the man failed to help his dog and has since been charged with animal cruelty in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

He will appear in Midland Magistrates Court on April 8.

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

People should report acts of cruelty to the RSPCA’s 24/7 hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or online.