Brookton woman charged with animal cruelty after dog allegedly found emaciated without food, water on 40C day

A 29-year old woman has been charged with animal cruelty after her dog was allegedly found emaciated and without food or water in a Brookton backyard on a 40C day. A cruelty report was made to the RSPCA expressing concerns about the welfare of a dog at a Brookton property on January 19. The caller was concerned about the dog’s access to food, water and shelter at the property, where they had not seen the owner since early December 2021. The RSPCA said an inspector attended the premises and entered the backyard, finding the three-year-old American staffordshire terrier cross trapped behind a barricade of tables and doors. The inspector said the dog was barking and unable to move, according to the RSPCA. The temperature reached 40C in Brookton on January 19. “The inspector noted the dog was severely underweight with her ribs, spine, hips, and skull clearly protruding,” an RSPCA spokeswoman said. “The inspector seized the dog as she suspected an offence under Part 3 of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. “Because the dog couldn’t stand up or walk, she was carried to the RSPCA vehicle by the inspector with the help of officers from Brookton Police Station.” The dog was then taken to a vet. “A vet check found the dog had a body condition score of 1.5 out of 5,” the RSPCA spokeswoman said. “She was dehydrated and had to receive intravenous fluid therapy. “The dog was also suffering from a host of other conditions, including anaemia.” The dog remains in the care of the RSPCA. RSPCA WA will allege the owner was cruel to the dog by not providing sufficient food and water. The woman is due to face Narrogin Magistrates Court on July 19.