WARNING: This story contains a distressing image.
A Cooloongup man has narrowly avoided jail time after poisoning his sick dog to try and "put him down" before dumping his body in a rubbish bin.
RSPCA WA received an animal cruelty report on January 14, 2025 after Felix, an 11-year-old Boxer cross, was found dead in a rubbish bin on the verge of the man's property.
RSPCA WA inspectors attended and confirmed through microchip records that Felix belonged to the man.
When spoken to under caution, the man admitted Felix had suffered from a severe wound to his inner thigh for about a month.
He described the wound as “really bad”, exposed and foul-smelling, and admitted he saw the injury every day as it worsened and became infected.
The court heard he did not seek veterinary treatment, surrender Felix for care, or ask for help, despite believing Felix was suffering and in pain.
The man admitted to giving Felix 12 paracetamol tablets to “put him down”.
An RSPCA WA vet confirmed the dose was toxic and would have caused significant suffering over the day and a half it took for Felix to die.
Felix's body was discovered in a rubbish bin out the front of the man's Cooloongup property. PIC: RSPCA WA
The 42-year-old man was sentenced to six months in prison which was suspended for six months and has also been banned from owning an animal for five years.
In sentencing, Magistrate Sarah Oliver described the offending as serious, noting Felix was vulnerable and the poisoning added to his suffering.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said the case was particularly distressing because Felix’s suffering was prolonged and entirely avoidable.
“Felix endured significant pain over an extended period, despite multiple opportunities for intervention,” Ms Green said.
“He then suffered more when his owner decided to cause his death with paracetamol.
“No animal should be left to suffer with a severe untreated wound, particularly when help is available, and no animal should be subjected to such a long, painful death. If someone is unable to afford veterinary care, or feels overwhelmed by a situation, there are options available."
Animal welfare concerns can be reported to RSPCA WA’s cruelty hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589) or via rspcawa.org.au.
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