Jason Visser: Ningi man sentenced for emaciated dog tied up in backyard

Gut-churning images of a starved dog living on Bribie Island have revealed the deprivation he faced before a life-changing event.

Bundy was seized by the RSPCA, treated, and rehomed following an amazing transformation. Pictures: RSPCA

Graphic images of a large dog, chained up, living on dirt and starving at a Ningi home have been revealed.

The images of the Dogue De Bordeaux named Bundy show the three-year-old dog with bones protruding from its fragile frame and a dark mark on the coat around his neck from where the chain had been.

This was the state RSPCA officers found the dog in on July 9, 2018, Caboolture Magistrates Court heard.

Bundy was found by the RSPCA needing urgent medical attention. Picture: RSPCA

The person responsible for the dog, along with two other dogs allegedly in poor condition also, was 43-year-old Jason Visser who had been caring for the dog while its owner was away for work.

Magistrate James Blanch was told by RSPCA prosecutors the dog was believed to have been permanently tethered to a tree, with access to a small amount of shelter, no bedding or water.

However Visser told RSPCA inspectors the dogs were fed daily and allowed off the tethers daily.

The court heard that when the inspector sought advice from a vet they were told urgent medical intervention was needed and the dog was seized on July 11.

Vets gave the dog a bodyweight condition score of 1 where 1 was emaciated and 9 was obese.

Bundy was also diagnosed with hookworm and an abnormal walk consistent with “considerable muscle wastage”.

Bundy's skeletal frame was protruding after what is estimated to be months of neglect. Picture: RSPCA

It was also noted that the dog’s rubs, lumbar vertebra and pelvic bones were visible, with vets estimating Bundy had been neglected for at least two months.

According to the RSPCA, an interview with Visser revealed he had been caring for Bundy for seven months and was to be paid $100 a week to house, feed and walk the dog and while the dog’s owner allegedly only paid $600 in that time, Visser continued to feed the dog.

The court heard that after three months in RSPCA care, Bundy had gained 10kg, reaching his goal weight of 33kg. The dog has now been re-homed.

A subsequent check of other dogs on the property some months later showed the animals remaining on Visser’s property were in good body condition.

Visser pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to feed Bundy and because he had spent 338 days in pre-sentence custody for the RSPCA charge as well as other unrelated criminal charges, he was convicted and not further punished. He was also ordered to pay $1140 in costs.

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