Starving dog in Seaford sparks animal cruelty probe

It’s not something you’d expect to see as you look out your window before leaving for work. But a Seaford man has told how the sight of a skeletal dog reduced him to tears, as the RSPCA now investigates.

A starving dog was found rummaging through a front yard in Seaford.

The RSPCA is investigating a possible case of animal cruelty after a starving dog was found rummaging through a front yard at Seaford.

Seaford man Russell, who did not want his surname to be published, was about to leave for work last Wednesday when he found a skeletal dog wandering through his front yard.

“I opened the blinds and there was a dog trying to eat the leaves and roots in my front garden,” Russell said.

“He was deaf, really skinny and smelly; he had a massive seeping infection on his bottom.”

The good Samaritan gave the dog — which appeared to be a brown mastiff — four bowls of biscuits before rushing him to Seaford Veterinary Clinic.

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Russell said the sight of the neglected animal, who was not wearing a collar, reduced him to tears.

“It’s the worst possible thing … he had a flesh-eating wound but at the same time was so kind and happy when I fed him,” he said.

“Not too many things make you cry, but I was crying all the way to the hospital.”

The Leader believes the dog is microchipped and the owner has been notified.

Seaford Veterinary Hospital nurse and practice manager Helen Razga said the dog was kept for a few hours and treated before he was picked up by the RSPCA, where he remained in care.

“The dog was in a pretty bad way … he was showing signs of starvation and infection,” she said.

In Victoria, an average of over 11,000 animal cruelty complaints were made annually between 2011 and 2017, with almost 900 charges laid and nearly 400 charges sentenced, Sentencing Advisory Council figures show.

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The most common charge laid by RSPCA Victoria is failing to provide treatment,

followed by failing to provide food, drink or shelter.

Anybody found guilty of cruelty can face fines up to $41,305 or 12 months’ imprisonment, or fines up to $82 610 or two years’ imprisonment if the offence results in the death or serious disablement of the animal.

An RSPCA spokesperson said they were unable to comment due to the ongoing investigation.

Anyone who has concerns about the welfare of an animal is encouraged to make a report at rspcavic.org/report or by phoning 9224 2222.