Condobolin man convicted of starving cattle dogs

A 29-year-old Condobolin man was convicted and sentenced at Condobolin Local Court on 8 February 2022, in relation to two animal cruelty charges.

The man pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to provide veterinary treatment and one charge of failing to provide proper and sufficient food to his two dogs.

On 4 May 2021, an RSPCA Inspector attended the defendant’s property in Condobolin after obtaining photographs and information from Condobolin rangers about two stray cattle dogs that had been found on the street, in extremely poor condition.

The defendant confirmed that he was responsible for the welfare of the dogs, and explained that he had left them alone, to fend for themselves, while he left his property for a few weeks.

Both animals were surrendered and transported to the Orange RSPCA Shelter. A veterinary examination revealed that the dogs were suffering from emaciation and had not been fed for a minimum period of four weeks.

Both dogs weighed half the weight of a healthy dog their respective size and breed, with the blue cattle dog weighing 10 kilograms, and the red cattle dog weighing only 5.4 kilograms.

The blue cattle dog was also suffering from untreated fly bites on its ears.

The Red Cattle Dog and the Blue Cattle Dog both in poor body condition 

Magistrate Thomas noted the serious nature of the cruelty and disqualified the defendant from owning any animal for ten years.

The defendant was convicted and placed on an 18-month community corrections order.

The defendant was also ordered to pay a $1,200.00 fine for each charge, totaling $2,400.00, with moiety to RSPCA NSW.

“These dogs suffered needlessly at the hands of their owner,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector Scott Meyers.

“There is a legal obligation for pet owners to provide proper and sufficient food for their animals. Every animal deserves to be well fed and cared for. Simply doing nothing and allowing them to suffer is not an option.”

RSPCA NSW is pleased to report that after being placed on a nutritious diet, both dogs recovered and have been successfully rehomed.

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

Both dogs have successfully been rehomed