Zlate Talevski: Barrack Heights man escapes jail over dog’s horrible neglect

An Illawarra man has escaped jail time after his dog was found in a horrible state of neglect. Gruesome details of the dog’s injuries were detailed in court, where it was revealed the pet also had to be put down. Warning: Graphic photos.

The Talevski family dog was found by the RSPCA with tumours and seriously underweight. Picture: supplied.

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An Illawarra man has escaped jail time after his dog was found in a “terrible state of neglect” with infected tumours and her bones protruding from her body, after he failed to seek adequate vet care.

Zlate Talevski, 47, faced Wollongong Local Court for sentencing on Thursday, after pleading guilty to a single charge of committing an act of aggravated cruelty.

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Zlate Talevski, 47, of Barrack Heights leaves Wollongong court.

Magistrate Claire Girotto told the court the crime didn’t warrant a jail sentence, ordering Talevski undertake a 12-month community corrections order, and complete 80 hours of community service.

Horrific photos of the dog’s abuse were tendered to the court, showing weeping tumours on its belly, sores on its legs, and its spine and ribs showing through her skin.

In documents tendered to the court it was revealed the dog, which had been part of Talevski family for 13 years, had to be put down by a vet who deemed it “cruel” to keep her alive

According to the documents, an RSPCA inspector first attended Talevski’s Barrack Heights residence on October 8 last year, after receiving cruelty complaints about a “skinny dog with big lumps on its belly”.

Upon arrival, the inspector saw the dog lying against the side of the house in the backyard.

After knocking on the door and finding no one was home, the inspector identified the dog as being “high risk” and went inside the yard.

As the inspector attempted to leave the yard with the dog on a lead, however she collapsed on the ground and had to be carried to his vehicle.

The dog was taken to the vet and seen by Dr Victoria Blake who noted it was “very clear” the dog had been neglected, suffering from tumours throughout her body, one of which was excreting puss and blood from her stomach.

“In my opinion it is very clear this dog was neglected and has not received appropriate care,” her report read.

The dog was severely underweight. Picture: supplied. 

“There has been a lack of provision of basic animal husbandry which has been further complicated by a severe disease process which requires a greater level of care.”

The dog had a weight of just 12.7kg, when she should have weighed between 20 and 25 kgs.

Sadly, as a result of her very poor health, the dog was euthanized.

On October 14, the RSPCA inspector spoke with Talevski who said he noticed the dog had been losing weight for the past three months, as well as the growing lump on her belly, however didn’t seek treatment because he couldn’t afford the veterinary bills.

In court on Thursday, Talevski’s lawyer told the court he was more than willing to undertake community service and was remorseful for his actions.

Magistrate Girotto also ordered Talevski pay a $1000 fine and $715 compensation for vet bills.

“There’s specific deterrence so that is he doesn’t do this again,” she said.