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RSPCA: Lethbridge Park man fined over shocking animal cruelty case

A 71-year-old man who left his flea-riddled poodle to suffer in pain has been banned from owning animals for five years while the dog has found his forever home.

Before and after photos of Aviary, the poodle cross, who has been rehomed after his original owner was convicted on a string of animal cruelty charges. Pictures: RSPCA NSW
Before and after photos of Aviary, the poodle cross, who has been rehomed after his original owner was convicted on a string of animal cruelty charges. Pictures: RSPCA NSW

A Lethbridge Park man has been hit with heavy fines over a shocking case of animal cruelty which left a flea riddled poodle suffering a serious dental disease and skin irritation for at least a month.

Edward Avanessian, 71, was sentenced in Mt Druitt Local Court last month after being convicted of six counts of failing to provide vet treatment to Aviary, a white poodle cross.

RSPCA inspectors attended the man’s home in Lethbridge Park on September 1 last year where they found the dog on the ground and in immediate need of veterinary care.

Shocking photos show the neglect suffered by Aviary, a poodle cross seized from a Lethbridge Park home. Picture: RSPCA NSW
Shocking photos show the neglect suffered by Aviary, a poodle cross seized from a Lethbridge Park home. Picture: RSPCA NSW
Aviary was found suffering from a severe dental disease. Picture: RSPCA NSW
Aviary was found suffering from a severe dental disease. Picture: RSPCA NSW

Inspectors seized Aviary and took him to the RSPCA NSW Sydney Veterinary Hospital where he was found to have a string of serious health issues.

The RSPCA said the ailments had been left untreated for a significant period and had caused the dog unnecessary pain, suffering and discomfort.

He was found to have a serious dental disease, with rotting teeth and pus-filled gums, as well as infected and irritated skin due to embedded faecal matter, conjunctivitis and an ear infection.

Aviary was also riddled with fleas in his severely matted and dirty coat, which had not been groomed for at least a month.

Aviary, a poodle cross seized from a Lethbridge Park home has found her forever home. Picture: RSPCA NSW
Aviary, a poodle cross seized from a Lethbridge Park home has found her forever home. Picture: RSPCA NSW
Aviary has made a full recovery. Picture: RSPCA NSW
Aviary has made a full recovery. Picture: RSPCA NSW

He has since made a full recovery and was adopted into his forever home last year, the RSPCA said.

Avanessian did not appear at court for sentencing on May 13 when he was fined more than $5400 and ordered to pay the RSPCA more than $6100 for vet care and shelter costs.

He was also banned from owning an animal for five years.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/blacktown-advocate/rspca-lethbridge-park-man-fined-over-shocking-animal-cruelty-case/news-story/dc2a1128e4caab1780062f49bd6bdc14