The profound bond between a dog and its human is often regarded as unparalleled. However, there are humans whose lack of education on the subject leads them to mistreat innocent creatures, unknowingly.
A lack of knowledge coupled with the incorrect entity handling a sick animal can lead to dire outcomes. This was highlighted by a recent incident in Amajuba Park, Newcastle prompting the Newcastle SPCA to take action.
On Wednesday, 13 September 2023, the Newcastle SPCA responded to a distress call from a concerned member of the community regarding a mistreated dog.
The resident reported an emaciated dog with a substantial wound in dire need of help at a residence in the suburb. Upon receiving the information, Trainee Inspector Jenavieve Tinkler of the Newcastle SPCA, jumped into action.
Arriving at the home, Trainee Inspector Tinkler was confronted with a gut wrenching sight. A large dog, in an appalling state, its skeletal frame visible through its fur, and a substantial wound on its hindquarters that reflected the suffering it had endured.
“When I got hold of the owner, she told me that the lady from the SPCA had already been there last month (August 2023) to check up on the dog. But we received no call about the dog, and I am the only one that inspects the dogs. The owner also told me that the woman had said that the dog might have cancer and she would treat it, but there was a chance it might have to be euthanised,” told Tinkler.
Reportedly, the woman from an animal organisation administered what she referred to as “medicine” to the dog. She then returned two weeks after the initial treatment but never returned again. The dog’s owner claimed she was unsure of whom else to contact for assistance, which led to the animal’s health deteriorating further.
However, Tinkler took the necessary steps to aid the animal as she got the woman to surrender the dog to the SPCA. As a result, the animal was taken to a local veterinarian, whereupon examination it was determined that the dog’s wound was cancerous, and its condition was so severe that euthanasia was deemed the most humane option.
With the dog’s suffering now at an end, Heather Gero of the Newcastle SPCA clarified that the person the dog’s owner believed to be from the SPCA was, in fact, associated with an alleged animal welfare society based in Newcastle.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the animal had not received veterinary care due to the involvement of the woman from the animal welfare organisation.
“This is an offence which can be taken to court, as this person allowed the dog to suffer,” Gero stressed. She further elucidated that while other animal welfare organisations were not condemned, they could not legally provide veterinary assistance.
“Only a vet can assess an animal to determine its medical requirements,” she pointed out. “The owner of the dog will not face legal action, as she had believed that the woman who had come to see her was truly from a legitimate animal welfare organisation and was helping.”
Although the dog’s owner will not face legal action, Trainee Inspector Tinkler and Gero emphasised the need for pet owners to educate themselves about proper animal care.
They underscored the importance of realising that responsible animal care goes beyond personal emotions.
Gero explained that with this in mind, it was essential that pet owners did their homework before reaching out to just anyone. She further explained that the SPCA always prioritises an animal’s needs first, ensuring they receive medical treatment when needed and unfortunately, sometimes makes the difficult choice to ensure the animal no longer suffers. “We love animals so much that we do not prolong their suffering. To allow an animal to suffer until it eventually dies is not love,” said Gero.
In light of this incident, a stern warning is issued to all animal owners and unregistered animal welfare organisations: neglecting or denying an animal necessary medical assistance due to negligence can result in legal action.
The story serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with caring for our animal companions.
What are your thoughts on this incident and the broader issue of animal welfare? We invite you to share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 1
Thank you to Heather and her team, for assisting the poor dog,reading this article makes one wonder how good these other so called ‘animal welfare groups’ are. Always rely on the SPCA , they have being around for many years and not just a start up to make a name for themselves.
Heather and team keep up the excellent work.