A couple in West Australia have been banned from owning pets for two years after cutting off part of their dog’s tail as a punishment for biting a cat. The 27-year-old man and his 20-year-old girlfriend pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges on Wednesday, after the disturbing incident which occurred six months ago.
The Katanning Magistrates Court heard RSPCA WA received a cruelty complaint in February from a person concerned about the large tan and white mixed-breed dog.
According to the RSPCA WA, investigators said the dog’s tail had been partially severed using a hedge trimmer, pruning clippers or an axe. The one-year-old dog, named Baw was seized from his home in February after inspectors had visited the home and found the dog with serious injuries to his tail that had cut through vertebrae. The tail is the end part of a dog’s spine, which contains many nerves and therefore the incident would have been extremely painful. Baw has since been forfeited to RSPCA WA, where he continues to recover.
The male was convicted of being cruel to an animal in that he mutilated the dog and allowed him to suffer harm which could have been alleviated. The female accused was convicted of being cruel to an animal in that she allowed Baw to suffer harm which could have been alleviated.
Once Baw recovers, he will be available for adoption.
It’s about time animal abusers face punishment, but most people think this wasn’t anywhere near the punishment these people should have received. Maybe someday?
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