A Campbelfield man was found guilty of seven animal cruelty charges after he allowed a prohibited procedure to be performed on seven German Shorthaired Pointer puppies. The man had docked the tails of the puppies which is against the law under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in Victoria. Legislation banning tail docking was introduced in 2004.
An RSPCA Inspector responded to a complaint concerning the welfare of the dogs and it was observed that a number of dogs had had their tails docked during the inspection. Claims by the defence that the short tails were a result of genetics were quashed by a statement from an expert gene scientist that corroborated with the RSPCA’s view that the dogs did not possess the bob-tail gene.
RSPCA Victoria Senior Inspector, Daniel Bode said: “The RSPCA believes the practice of docking tails, which mostly occurs purely for aesthetic reasons, is cruel and unwarranted. Fortunately the government agrees with us that this practice is not humane. We hope our successful prosecution sends a strong message to dog owners that anyone caught doing this to their dogs, will be headed directly to court”.
Following the hearing the man was convicted and fined $14,000 and was ordered to pay $2,500 Court costs.
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