James Alan Wilson given suspended jail sentence for starving dogs, cats and puppies
A WELFARE recipient has avoided an immediate jail term for starving several cats, dogs and puppies he could not afford to feed.
A WELFARE recipient has avoided an immediate jail term for starving several cats, dogs and puppies he could not afford to feed.
James Alan Wilson, 43, was left with the animals — at least eight dogs, nine cats and three puppies — after his former partner left the Salisbury North home they shared in April 2015.
He previously pleaded guilty to 12 counts of ill treating an animal for failing to provide adequate living conditions and failing to provide adequate food and water for the animals.
In sentencing in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday, Magistrate Rodney Oates said RSPCA inspectors found some food bowls present at the property, but they were insufficient for the number of animals.
He said Wilson had relied on Centrelink benefits to support himself and the animals after his former partner left and he became their owner by “de facto processes”.
“He could not afford to feed all of the animals,” Mr Oates said.
“It was not done with malice, but rather a lack of resources open to him.
“Time went by after (his former partner) left the property and he could have handed them in.”
Mr Oates said photos showed the dogs were “in poor condition and obviously underweight”.
Some of the dogs gained as much as 156 per cent of their weight after they were rescued, while the cats gained between 38-68 per cent.
“Fortunately none of them died,” he said.
Mr Oates ordered Wilson serve a five-month prison term for the animal cruelty offences, suspended on condition of a good behaviour bond.
He also ordered Wilson pay $2000 of the RSPCA’s $8085 costs, and $300 in legal fees.
“You’ve never had a suspended sentence before so please don’t breach it,” Mr Oates said.
“Focus on the future and get by without any more trouble.”
