A 55-year-old Mitchell Shire resident has been sentenced after being found guilty of three animal cruelty charges, one of which was aggravated cruelty.
Shepparton Magistrates’ Court ordered a community correction order with conviction, mandating the man to perform 250 hours of unpaid community work over a two-year period.
He has also been placed under a 10-year monitoring order.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors initiated the case after a report from a concerned individual.
Upon inspection of the man’s property, they found a dog in extreme discomfort.
The dog was barely able to stand, crying out in pain, and had an infected toe that gave off a necrotic smell.
The inspectors promptly took the dog into their custody and transferred it to an RSPCA Victoria Shelter for immediate veterinary attention.
RSPCA Victoria veterinarian Dr Tash Bassett found evidence of spinal and hip degeneration, a necrotic infection of the dog’s toe, and painful chronic ear disease among other conditions.
“This dog experienced great pain and suffering for months due to her chronic and untreated medical conditions and for weeks due to the way she was tethered at the property,” Dr Bassett said.
“The dog’s condition was caused by the owner’s neglect and failure to provide veterinary treatment earlier.”
RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michael Stagg said forcing any animal to suffer in this way was unacceptable, and he hoped the court’s decision highlighted the community’s low tolerance for animal cruelty.
“Pet owners must provide a clean and sanitary environment for their animals, and necessary veterinary attention,” Mr Stagg said.
“This poor dog suffered, and it was completely unnecessary, and we, along with the Victorian community and the courts, won’t stand for it.”