An individual has been successfully prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act on three charges of failing in his duty to care for an animal and one charge of hindering and obstructing an Animal Welfare Inspector.

The charges related to dogs that were living at the defendant’s property.

The defendant was found guilty and convicted on all charges on Thursday 11 April and ordered to reimburse the Animal Welfare Authority $18,000 in costs, forfeit ownership of five dogs at his premises, and is not able to be a person in charge of an animal for 36 months. He was also fined $400.

Animal Welfare Inspectors from the Animal Welfare Branch, Department of Primary Industry and Resources attended the defendant’s property several times between July and November 2017 in response to complaints about the condition of two dogs at the defendant’s property, Dodger and Holly, and Holly’s puppies that were born after the initial visit.

A section 67 notice relating to the condition of the dogs was issued to the defendant on 27 September 2017, but the condition of the dogs further deteriorated.

On 10 November, the male dog, Dodger, and seven puppies were seized under warrant from the property by Animal Welfare Inspectors with Police assistance. Holly had previously escaped and was being cared for by the RSPCA. The dogs received veterinary treatment but three of the puppies did not survive.

Department of Primary Industry and Resources Animal Welfare Manager Paul Mitchener said the successful prosecution is a reminder that all Territorians have a responsibility for the welfare, health and safety of their pets.

“It is not acceptable that an animal’s health and welfare is put at risk by people who fail to provide basic care such as food, water and shelter to their pets, and fail to provide appropriate medical treatment when their pets are sick or injured,” Mr Mitchener said.

“The dogs in this case were not properly cared for and, tragically, some of the puppies did not survive.

“While the penalties that have been imposed do not remedy this, they do send a clear message that neglect of this kind is not acceptable and will be prosecuted.

“The good news is that Dodger and the four surviving puppies have been well looked after since being taken in by the RSPCA and are now healthy and look like they’ll soon be adopted by their foster carers, who have fallen in love with them.

“We encourage Territorians who have concerns for the welfare of an animal to report their concerns to the Animal Welfare Branch on 1300 720 386 or by emailing animalwelfare@nt.gov.au,” Mr Mitchener said

Media contact: Conor Doherty 0438 455 536