Dog owner found guilty of failing to provide veterinary treatment to 12-year-old Great Dane

An Arcadia man was sentenced at Hornsby Local Court on 13 January 2023, after pleading guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment to his 12-year-old Great Dane, ‘Lego’.

In November 2021, RSPCA NSW Inspectors attended the defendant’s property to investigate animal welfare concerns.

Lego was found severely emaciated and was suffering from pressure sores and lesions on large portions of her body. She was also suffering from dry eye and conjunctivitis.

Due to the severity of her condition, Lego was seized and transported to a RSPCA NSW veterinary hospital for immediate treatment and pain relief. Despite the best efforts of veterinarians, she failed to respond to treatment. After Lego’s health declined to the point that she was determined to be in such a physical condition that it was cruel to keep her alive, she was humanely euthanised.  

 In an interview conducted by RSPCA NSW inspectors, the defendant claimed that the animal had recently been provided with veterinary treatment. Enquiries revealed that Lego had not been seen by a veterinarian since 2019. The defendant subsequently admitted to knowing that Lego’s condition had worsened over the past 12 months. 

The defendant was fined $5,000 and prohibited from purchasing, acquiring, or taking possession of any animal for a period of two years. Orders were also made for the payment of costs incurred by RSPCA NSW for the provision of veterinary treatment and shelter, totaling $1462.98.

“Just like humans, every single animal, regardless of their age, deserves expert care and treatment when their health is at risk. Our pets can’t verbally explain to us when they are suffering, which is why it is the responsibility of owners to speak up and seek help on behalf of their animals when something is not right,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector, Scott Meyers.  

“It is heartbreaking to know that Lego suffered in silence unnecessarily, particularly during the last month of her life, due to her owner not intervening and seeking treatment sooner.”