Usher man charged with animal cruelty after allegedly failing to treat wounds from suspected dog fight

An Usher man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly failing to treat wounds on his dog, consistent with third-degree burns according to a vet, from a suspected dog fight. A statement from RSPCA WA said a 27-year-old Usher man was charged after inspectors attended the accused’s property in April to check on an American Staffordshire bull terrier, after receiving reports of mistreatment. Inspectors said they found the male staffy suffering “substantial open wounds to his back, neck shoulders and head”. The inspector then spoke to the accused and received “contradictory and confusing accounts” of how the dog was inflicted with the injuries. The dog was then transported to the RSPCA, with a vet finding the wounds on the dog’s neck and back were consistent with third-degree burns and were 10 to 14 days old, with one of the wounds found to be infected with debris underneath. The staffy has since recovered in the care of RSPCA WA and will go to foster care. The 27-year-old Usher man was charged under section 19 of the Animal Welfare Act. The RSPCA alleges the accused was cruel to the animal because he allowed the dog to suffer harm which could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps. The accused is expected to appear in Bunbury Magistrates Court on September 19. The maximum penalty for a charge of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years jail. The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect and urges anyone to call 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or report them online at the RSPCA website.