Dog found dead after ‘torturous’ final days

THE owner of a dog who was found dead partially hidden under a pile of laundry has been fined $3500 and banned from keeping an animal for 10 years.

Tabitha Rose Reich, 27, was sentenced in her absence on Wednesday in Albany Magistrates Court for cruelty to Dharma, an eight-year-old mastiff cross.

A member of the community reported their concerns in January, prompting the RSPCA to swoop on the property.

An autopsy showed Dharma had suffered from emaciation, serious atrophy of the bone marrow, pancreatic atrophy and suspected pneumonia.

RSPCA WA chief inspector Amanda Swift said the dog’s final days would have been torturous.

“It is inexcusable to let your family pet suffer so badly like poor Dharma, and to not seek medical help for obvious suffering,” she said.

“This poor dog’s last days would have been torturous.

“This is a timely reminder to people to always ask for assistance. Nobody should ever let their pets down in this way – they rely on you for their every need.

“And if you see an animal that you think could be suffering, please report it immediately – you are our eyes and ears on the ground.”

Cruelty reports can be made to the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 358 or online here.