12 months’ community sentence for cutting dog’s throat
Serious cruelty conviction follows Animal Welfare League investigation
A young man has been sentenced to twelve months’ intensive correction in the community after pleading guilty to cutting a young dog’s throat with a boning knife and leaving it to die in his yard.
The offence was committed at Bidwill, western Sydney, in March last year.
The American Staffordshire terrier cross, then ten months old, was rushed to a nearby vet, where emergency surgery saved his life. He was taken into care by the Animal Welfare League NSW, whose inspectors assisted police in finding and prosecuting the owner for serious animal cruelty causing prolonged suffering – the most serious animal cruelty charge in NSW.
The lively and lovable dog, known as “Bouncer” for his remarkable jumping ability, has benefited from months of careful treatment and loving care from staff at the AWL’s Kemps Creek vet clinic and Kemps Creek and Ingleside shelters. He’s now awaiting suitable adoption at Ingleside.
In Mt Druitt Local Court today (February 27), Magistrate Corry said the defendant had “caused severe injuries” to the dog and “allowed it to suffer unnecessarily for hours with its throat cut.”
The court considered the defendant’s age and a psychological report in making the Intensive Correction Order for the sentence to be served in the community, subject to strict conditions.
Chief Animal Welfare League Inspector Damien Thiele said: “This was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty we’ve seen.
“We’re thankful that because of the strong relationship between the AWL, the NSW Police and vet clinics, we were able to save the dog, find the offender and bring him to justice.
“Fortunately the story can still have a happy ending for Bouncer – after his lucky escape, we hope he can now find a new home with someone who appreciates him.”
Anyone interested in adopting Bouncer can call the AWL on (02) 8899 3333 or email us