Edward Cole and Manaia Hine Takurua guilty of abusing five-year-old Bear

Two people have been fined after starving their dog, which could barely walk when the RSPCA found him – but see how he looks now.

A former Gawler East couple have been found guilty of ill-treating a five-year-old kelpie cross, which was rescued by the RSPCA weighing less than 10kg.

Edward Cole and Manaia Hine Takurua were due to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court last week to answer charges in relation to the ill-treatment of their dog Bear.

However, the RSPCA believes the couple is now in NSW and Magistrate Joanna Martin heard the case without them present.

Bear the kelpie cross was seized by the RSPCA in April. Picture: RSPCA

The five-year-old dog was found weighing less than 10kg at time of seizure by RSPCA inspectors. Picture: RSPCA

Cole and Takurua were found guilty of failing to provide Bear with adequate food, water and living conditions.

An RSPCA SA inspector attended a property in Gawler East on April 18, 2023, after a cruelty report.

Bear was found in extreme emaciated condition with a condition score of 1/9 and when seized and taken to an emergency veterinary clinic, weighed only 9.75kg.

After examination it was found Bear had severe muscle wastage and could hardly manage to walk. Picture: RSPCA

After examination, the vet estimated Bear had been subjected to a period of at least two months of starvation – and if he had been fed at all, it provided only a third of his energy requirements.

The five-year-old dog showed signs of severe muscle waste and was only able to walk a few steps – and needed to be carried to and from the inspectors vehicle.

Bear has now found a “loving new home” with his foster family and weighs close to double his weight at seizure. Picture: RSPCA

Bear has since recovered in RSPCA SA’s care and by July 17 weighed 18kg – close to double his original weight.

The family who fostered Bear after seizure have adopted him and according to RSPCA reports has found a “loving new home”.

Cole and Takurua were each fined $200 after their mistreatment of Bear and a record of their offence has been taken.