Date Updated: July 15, 2022

A 38-year-old man from Mount Pritchard has been convicted and sentenced to 10 months in prison at Liverpool Local Court on 27 May 2022, for animal cruelty offences including failing to provide veterinary treatment to his pet dog’s fractured leg, and for biting a RSPCA NSW inspector on the arm in the course of her duties.

On Friday 18 March 2022, the defendant presented his American Staffordshire Cross, ‘Rocky’, to a veterinary clinic for evaluation, after he had been hit by a car. X-rays confirmed that Rocky had sustained a femoral fracture to his right hind leg. The clinic provided multiple treatment options for Rocky, all of which the defendant declined.

The defendant discharged Rocky contrary to veterinary advice in the early hours of 20 March 2022, stating he had found a veterinarian that would perform surgery the following day, for a cheaper price. During the investigation, the defendant gave varying accounts of appointments made for Rocky, which was either made and not attended, or never scheduled.

On 25 March 2022 two RSPCA NSW inspectors attended the defendant’s property to examine Rocky. Upon arrival, the defendant presented Rocky to the inspectors, who placed him on a lead. The defendant continued to claim that he had booked an appointment at another vet clinic, and whilst trying to locate the details of the appointment on his mobile phone, became verbally and physically abusive. During the assault, the defendant aggressively bit one of the inspectors on the arm, leaving a visible bite mark wound. The defendant then retreated inside the property with the dog. Inspectors called NSW Police.

On the evening of 29 March 2022, the defendant was arrested by NSW police and taken into custody for assaulting the RSPCA NSW inspector. Rocky was finally surrendered to RSPCA NSW at Fairfield Police Station on 30 March 2022.

The dog was seized and transported to RSPCA NSW and was provided with immediate pain relief.

The Court sentenced the defendant to an aggregate term of imprisonment of 10 months for offences of assaulting a law enforcement officer and failing to provide veterinary treatment to Rocky. The defendant is disqualified from owning an animal for three years.

The defendant was also ordered to pay a total of $3,607.07 in veterinary care and shelter costs, and custody of Rocky was awarded to RSPCA NSW.

“This sentence is an excellent outcome, not only for Rocky but also for the RSPCA NSW inspector who was assaulted by the defendant,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector Scott Meyers.

“Unfortunately, our inspectorate is exposed to hostile and dangerous situations every single day. The sentence imposed is reflective of the seriousness with which Courts view offences committed against law enforcement officers in the course of their duties. It clearly highlights the risks our inspectors face when they are out on the road.

“The outcome of this case sends a clear message that this type of violence and aggression will not be tolerated. While RSPCA NSW’s priority is and always will be, the welfare of animals, this is not at the expense of our team’s wellbeing. It is important to remember that our inspectors are real people, who are risking their own safety every single day, to make the world a better place for animals.”

GRAPHIC IMAGES WARNING. Images are available for download here.

All charges brought under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.