Dog owner from Butler, Perth found guilty of animal cruelty and no pets for five years
Heartbreaking before and after photos show how Emma the Maltese Shih-tzu was neglected ‘in the most cruel way’ for SIX MONTHS when her former owner was convicted of animal cruelty
- RSPCA found Maltese Shih-tzu in ‘poor condition’
- Emma is now in foster care after being seized by her owner
- Perth woman found guilty of animal neglect charges
- A $3,500 fine and a ban on keeping pets for five years
A dog owner has been fined $3,500 and banned from keeping a pet for five years after allowing her Maltese Shih-tzu to suffer painful and severe tangles for at least six months.
Francine Janell Parfitt, 43, stood before Joondalup Magistrates Court on Friday where she was found guilty of animal neglect charges.
The court heard RSCPA inspectors from Western Australia first visited Parfitt’s home in Butler, northwest Perth, on January 25 after reports of animal abuse.
Inspectors found the 11-year-old Maltese Shih-tzu named Emma in a “bad condition” with dreaded hair with spikes scattered across his fur.
The court heard Parfitt failed to follow instructions to have Emma groomed, despite inspectors telling him the mats caused the dog pain.
RSPCA WA later returned to the house with a search warrant and seized Emma for suspected animal abuse.
A dog owner has been found guilty of animal cruelty charges after RSPCA WA inspectors found 11-year-old Maltese Shih-tzu, Emma (pictured), with painful tangles
Veterinarians at RSPCA WA’s Animal Care Center discovered that Emma was suffering from dental disease, which led to 10 tooth extractions.
They also found a grass seed embedded in her ear on top of her sore mats.
Today, Emma is a much healthier and happier pooch as she continues to recover in foster care.
The RSPCA shared Emma’s story in a plea for dog owners.
A matted fur can quickly become a welfare problem. It pulls on your dog’s skin, restricts their movement and can lead to terrible eye, ear and skin infections,” said RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green.
“Regular grooming is a cost and time commitment that owners should consider before adopting breeds such as poodles and Maltese crosses.”
Emma (pictured recently) is now recovering and happily living in foster care
Emma the Maltese Shih-tzu was in a ‘bad condition’ with seriously feared hair when she was seized from her owners by the RSPCA
“If you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer care for your pet, contact friends, family or a rescue group as soon as possible.
“It’s never OK to ignore your pet’s pain or discomfort.”
Parfitt was convicted under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
The court ruled that Emma had suffered damage that could have been avoided if reasonable measures had been taken.
Magistrate De Maio said during sentencing that Emma had been “neglected in the most cruel way” during sentencing.
Parfitt was also ordered to pay $720.80 in court costs to RSPCA WA in addition to the $3,500 fine.
In the six months between RSPCA WA inspections, the owner had done nothing to groom Emma and loosen her dreads