Two Port Pirie pet owners sentenced for animal ill-treatment

A man lied to RSPCA inspectors attending over a cruelty report that his dog had died before they returned to find him alive but with a host of medical issues.

A Port Pirie man lied to RSPCA inspectors that his dog had died before they later returned to find him alive but in a horrific condition.

Keith Gilbert, 42, was sentenced in the Port Pirie Magistrates Court yesterday for his cruel treatment of ten-year-old dog, Lin Tan that left him with a multitude of medical issues.

A RSPCA inspector first attended Gilbert’s property on April 30, 2024 responding to a cruelty report about a small white terrier with lesions that appeared infected and smelt terrible.

The inspector was informed by Gilbert that Lin Tan had died a month earlier as the result of a stroke.

RSPCA then attended a new property in early June after receiving another cruelty report, with Gilbert’s 77-year-old mother answering the door.

Lin Tan was found in horrific conditions when seized by the RSPCA. Photos: RSPCA

Lin Tan was found severely matted. Photos: RSPCA

Lin Tan, who was in fact still alive, was found to severely matted with a black substance around his eyes and overgrown nails on his hind feet.

Gilbert was issued a formal warning to seek veterinary treatment for the dog by June 11, 2024.

However, when the inspector followed up with the local vet and found Gilbert never attended the appointment they re-attended the property and seized Lin Tan.

Lin Tan was examined by a vet and diagnosed with an advanced infection in both ears, chronic dental disease with 39 teeth missing and three requiring removal, an abscess in his right anal sack, an oronasal fistula, grade two heart murmur and active inflammation in both eyes.

Gilbert pleaded guilty to one count of animal ill treatment.

The same charge was dropped against Gilbert’s mother, due to her age and poor health.

In sentencing, Magistrate Ben Sale acknowledged that the dog should not have been allowed to deteriorate to the state that he was found in.

Mr Sale exercised a degree of leniency due to Gilbert’s intellectual disability and sentenced him to a two-year good behaviour bond and 30 hours of community service

He was also prohibited from owning any animals.

Lin Tan was forfeited to RSPCA and has now been adopted by his foster carer.

Lin Tan (right) with dog Cooper is now in a foster home. Photos: RSPCA

In a separate matter yesterday, Aurora Brice-Lay, 21, also pleaded guilty to one count of animal ill treatment after leaving her cats with no water.

A RSPCA inspector attended Brice-Lay’s property on January 10, 2024 in response to a cruelty report concerning two cats’ outdoor living conditions.

The inspector provided education and advice to Brice-Lay to improve the housing and assisted in moving the cats’ enclosure to a sheltered area.

The inspector returned to the property on January 31, 2024 to find the cats, aged one and seven, living in their urine and faeces, with no access to clean water.

The living conditions the cats were found in when seized by the RSPCA. Photos: RSPCA

Mr Sale sentenced Brice-Lay to a 12-month good behaviour bond and prohibited her from owning any cats for two years.

No conviction was recorded due to Brice-Lay’s remorse and explanation that she was busy with her child and caring for a sick relative at the time of the offending.

Both cats were forfeited to RSPCA and will be available for adoption once they have undergone desexing.

Originally published as Two Port Pirie pet owners sentenced for animal ill-treatment