Registered Murraylands dog breeder convicted for ill-treatment of nine dogs

An SA dog breeder has been convicted after nine dogs and puppies were found a “terrible physical state”. Warning: Graphic

A 58-year-old Murraylands man has been convicted for the ill-treatment of nine dogs and puppies after failing to provide “adequate and appropriate” amounts of food throughout December 2022 to February 2023.

The man - who has been on the radar of RSPCA SA’s inspectorate since 2008 - appeared in the Murray Bridge Magistrates Court on Monday where it was heard all the dogs were found in an “emaciated” condition and suffering multiple health issues.

Two dogs - a 12-year-old female named Lollie and a one-year-old named Bino - had to be euthanised.

RSPCA veterinarian, Dr Brooke Hasler, examined the nine dogs - five of which were puppies aged between four to six months.

One of the dogs seized by RSPCA inspectors. Picture: RSPCA

A 58-year-old Murraylands man has been charged for the ill-treatment of nine dogs and puppies after failing to provide “adequate and appropriate” amounts of food throughout December 2022 to February 2023. Picture: RSPCA

“All of the puppies and dogs seen were in a terrible physical state and severely compromised,” Dr Hasler said.

Bino was euthanased after five weeks in RSPCA’s care due to untreatable behavioural problems that “manifested in her walking in circles in a distressed state for hours” to the point where her paws bled.

A 58-year-old Murraylands man has been charged for the ill-treatment of nine dogs and puppies after failing to provide “adequate and appropriate” amounts of food throughout December 2022 to February 2023. Picture: RSPCA

Attempts at rehabilitation, medication, and a placement with a foster carer all failed to alleviate the one-year-old’s suffering.

One of the seized dogs after their recovery. Picture: RSPCA

Two dogs have since between adopted after being surrendered by the defendant, while another five have been adopted after a successful forfeiture application during the criminal proceedings.

Inspectors have been trying to work with the man since 2008 to improve the care of his free-roaming Koolie-mix dogs.

The matter was downgraded from more serious charges after the defence explained the defendant was unable to adequately feed the dogs due to unprecedented floods that inundated the only road into his property.

The council confirmed the area was evacuated in late December 2022 but the defendant moved back into the property a few days before repairs were completed on February 23, 2023.

On February 24, 2023, an RSCPA SA inspector attended the defendant’s property under warrant alongside four staff from the Department of Environment and Water, a Mid-Murray council officer, and two SA police officers.

At the property, 23 dogs and puppies were seen “free roaming” and “scrambled to devour” some dry dog food that the defendant gave them.

One of the seized dogs after their recovery. Picture: RSPCA

Nine of the worst dogs were subsequently seized by the RSPCA inspector and transported to RSPCA’s veterinary clinic at the Lonsdale shelter where they all returned body condition scores (BCS) of between 0.5-2 out of 9.

“Three of the puppies were only a week from death by starvation,” Dr Hasler said.

Magistrate Kym Millard convicted the accused and sentenced him to a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Mr Millard explained the importance of “public deterrence to ensure that the vast number of animals held by members of the public, particularly dogs, have their custodians treat them with appropriate care and attention”.

Additional orders were also made to limit the defendant’s number of breedable dogs to seven, preventing him from continuing to breed dogs - which the RSPCA hopes will “prevent further concerns.”