An Armidale man has been sentenced to eight months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple animal cruelty offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW). The 58-year-old will serve a non-parole period of four months for failing to provide veterinary treatment to two Maremma sheepdogs, one of which died, and for tethering them in conditions that caused significant suffering.
In January 2023, the man placed livestock and two Maremma sheepdogs on a leased property in Armidale. Neighbours frequently heard the dogs barking near a creek at night. On 27 April 2023, a neighbour, with the landlord’s permission, entered the property to check on the animals’ welfare.
The neighbour found the two dogs tied to a log in the backyard with tethers no longer than two metres. One dog was deceased, lying behind the log. An open bag of dry food was just out of reach, and a bucket of water was several metres away. The surviving female dog was severely underweight, with matted fur. The neighbour provided food and water before alerting RSPCA NSW.
An RSPCA NSW Inspector arrived and found the female dog collapsed and disoriented. Both dogs were seized and taken for emergency veterinary care. The female dog, later named ‘May’, was in a life-threatening condition due to water overload. She was severely emaciated and suffering from intestinal worms. Blood tests indicated chronic underfeeding. She was stabilised and placed on a refeeding program.
The deceased dog, ‘Smiley’, had died at least two days earlier. Veterinary examinations revealed severe dehydration, emaciation, and untreated intestinal worms, which ultimately caused his death. The conditions in which the dogs were kept exacerbated their suffering. Tied to the log, they were exposed to extreme weather, unable to access food, water, or shelter, and restricted in movement. Their overgrown nails suggested prolonged neglect.
May continued her recovery under RSPCA NSW’s care and was successfully rehomed with her new family in July 2023.
During an inspection of the property, the RSPCA Inspector identified other welfare issues, including sheep needing crutching, animals with overgrown hooves, an underweight mare, and a horse with an ulcerated lump.
Over four months, the Inspector issued two notices under section 24N of the Act, requiring the man to provide basic care for his animals. He repeatedly failed to comply, only meeting the requirements after a month of delays.
The defendant admitted responsibility for the dogs but was unaware Smiley had died. He could not recall his last visit to the property.
RSPCA NSW prosecutor Kate Hewson cited his “persistent lack of insight” as a key factor increasing his risk of reoffending.
“The community would be justifiably aggrieved by any sentence other than one of full-time custody,” she told the court.
In addition to jail time, the man has been banned from owning or caring for animals for 10 years and ordered to forfeit all animals in his care. He must pay $2,304.56 in animal care costs and $258.50 in professional fees to RSPCA NSW. The man was also convicted without further penalty for failing to comply with two RSPCA NSW notices regarding the welfare of several horses and a donkey.
Report animal cruelty to the RSPCA by calling 1300 278 358.
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