Adam Polodna pleaded guilty to two counts of ill treatment

A 24-year-old has pleaded guilty to starving his dog and her eight puppies, who were found with the lowest body score condition possible. Warning: Graphic before and after images.

Adam Polodna took to social media shortly after his court hearing on Thursday.

A Gawler man has celebrated his good behaviour bond, calling it a ‘close call’ after pleading guilty to starving his one-year-old Staffordshire Cross and her pups.

Adam Polodna, 24, pleaded guilty to two counts of ill treatment in the Elizabeth Magistrate Court, failing to provide adequate food for his dog Diamond and her six-week-old puppies.

On March 17, 2021, two RSPCA inspectors attended Polodna’s property in response to a cruelty report.

Adam Polodna, 24, faced court over starving his dog. Pic: Facebook

The inspectors located eight puppies in a bathroom, immediately noticing their heads were too big for their bodies.

Diamond was located in the backyard of the property with a body score condition of one out of nine and weighing 14.05kg.

A chief RSPCA vet examined Diamond and found no fat on her body, her ribs, hips, spine, limbs, and skull all protruded. Her mammary glands were enlarged but no milk was expressible, meaning her pups had been receiving insufficient nutrition for two to three weeks.

Diamond and her puppies were seized and taken to the Lonsdale shelter.

Diamond, the dog, when she was found in March, 2022. Pic: RSPCA

Diamond today after being rehomed. Pic: RSPCA

“Diamond had become so thin that her body could not produce any milk for her pups and they had begun to lose condition,” the report stated.

“Being unable to reach this would be a source of significant agitation and distress.”

In court, Magistrate Ben Sale showed Polodna pictures of the emaciated dogs stating “all they wanted to do was please you and be looked after by you and you neglected them.”

Magistrate Sale placed Polodna on a two-year good behaviour bond and barred the 24-year-old from being in possession of any other animals until further order.

RSPCA sought payment of $8,827 in reimbursement of the animals’ treatment and care costs, however Magistrate Sale ordered only $500 be paid.

Outside of court, Polodna took to social media saying “Oh dam that was a close fkn call oh my f**k” and “I gotta be a good boy from now on, lest see how long this lasts”.

All dogs have recovered and have been rehomed.

Convictions were recorded.

Adam Polodna shortly after his court hearing on Thursday.