Patchy was put down after the pet pitbull cross was discovered emaciated, with a bullet lodged in its leg and fish bones in his stomach. Photo / SPCA
SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood said the case was a heartbreaking example of neglect.
“A puppy’s early start to life is a time where it should be the most joyous.
“At 5 months old this puppy was suffering in pain, misery and starvation.
“The owner had every opportunity to seek help from a veterinarian or SPCA for food or assistance… but chose not to.
“As a result, Patchy’s life ended before it even began.”
The woman admitted to inspectors she had noticed Patchy was in pain and gave him antibiotics and paracetamol in his food. She said she could not afford to take him to the vet.
The owner was sentenced to nine months’ supervision and 100 hours’ community work. She was also disqualified from owning all animals for three years and ordered to pay $828 in reparations and $250 to cover legal fees.
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