A young man has pleaded guilty on three counts of animal cruelty in Mt Druitt Court.
Hugo, a one year old Bull Arab cross was recently rescued by Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL NSW) Inspector Ian Hughes following a report by a concerned person.
When Inspector Hughes arrived at the Mt Druitt property, he found Hugo trapped in a small, filthy area behind the garden shed. He was tangled in a short tether, surrounded by faeces and urine, and had no access to water or shelter. Hugo had a metal flyscreen door as a bed, and he was in a clearly neglected and distressed state.
Inspector Hughes immediately seized Hugo and brought him back to the Animal Welfare League NSW Shelter at Kemps Creek for urgent care and treatment.
“Hugo was scared and stood frozen on the fly screen that was meant to be his bed, I walked over to him, let him smell my hand, tickled his chin and he responded to the touch immediately. It may have been some time since anyone had shown him any kindness.“ said Inspector Ian Hughes.
Anthony Saab, aged 21 from Mt Druitt was charged under POCTA (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act), and on Friday 14th November pleaded guilty in Mt Druitt Court on three counts of animal cruelty – failure to provide adequate shelter, water and adequate care. The young man was fined $1,000 for each offense and ordered to pay court costs of $1,120 to Animal Welfare League NSW.
The Magistrate described the conditions as “deplorable” and following the verdict AWL NSW Inspectors made an application for the magistrate to award custody of Hugo to AWL NSW, which was accepted. Hugo is now undergoing rehabilitation with the AWL NSW team.
“Hugo has received the best of care from the AWL NSW staff. To look at him now, it’s hard to believe it’s the same Hugo that had been living his life at the bottom of a garden, behind a shed, standing in his own filth” added Inspector Hughes.
AWL NSW is now seeking a new forever home for Hugo, where he will receive the love and care he deserves.
If you can help by adopting Hugo, or one of the other dogs or cats in care at AWL NSW Shelters, please call AWL NSW on 02 8899 3333 or go to www.awlnsw.com.au
You can also help by making a donation to AWL NSW, to help provide care for Hugo and the many other animals who will spend this Christmas at the shelters.