Chester's owner was found not guilty of breaching his duty of care to Chester.
Is it any wonder the RSPCA and the wider community so often feel disheartened by the way our legal system fails animals unable to speak for themselves?
After 13 years of devotion to his owner, Chester was left without love and care at the time in his life when he needed it the most. He spent his final hours struggling for breath, in pain from infections, unable to control his bowel and bladder, lying in his own urine with an ant crawling on him, and in an unfamiliar environment in the company of strangers.
An undignified death. For the sake of another $150, about $11.50 for each year he devoted to his owner, Chester’s suffering could have been relieved hours or days earlier, and he could have been reassured by the presence of a familiar face in his final hours.
RSPCA Inspectors often deal with people who neglect their animals because they cannot afford to provide veterinary treatment. But some cases, where people can afford the vet treatment but opt not to provide it, are even more disappointing.
RSPCA Inspectors often deal with people who neglect their animals while they are young or breeding. But some cases, where people are not there for their animals at the time of their lives when they need it the most, are even more disappointing.
Caring for young healthy animals is easy. It’s when they reach the end of their lives and need us the most, that owners are truly put to the test. This is the time owners need to step up and show appreciation for the years of unswerving loyalty and unconditional love their pet has given them.
RSPCA Inspectors often deal with cases where the penalties handed out to animal welfare offenders seem inadequate. But some cases, where a Court does not even affirm such poor treatment of an animal as an offence, are even more disappointing.
There are no regrets about this prosecution. We needed to do this for Chester. After 13 years, he deserved better than this. If nothing else, we can hopefully be assured that Chester’s owner will provide better care to his other dog when her time comes. If Chester’s case helps to educate one person, even the person who was his owner, then the prosecution was worthwhile.
If you’ve witness animal welfare concerns, report animal cruelty via our 24/7 hotline 1300 ANIMAL and find out more here.