ELIZABETH, SA — A 29-year-old man from Parafield Gardens was convicted in Elizabeth Magistrates Court today after pleading guilty to two counts of ill-treatment of an animal, following a cruel and botched home castration of his dog, Harley.
The court heard that the defendant allowed an unqualified farmer to perform a painful castration on his dog using rubber bands — a method typically used on lambs — without anaesthetic. He then failed to seek veterinary treatment when Harley’s wound became severely infected and necrotic.
The RSPCA South Australia launched an investigation in April 2024 after receiving a cruelty report. Inspectors, armed with a search warrant, found Harley — an 8-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier — in the backyard in visible distress. They seized the dog and issued an Animal Welfare Notice instructing the man to improve living conditions and provide fresh water daily to all animals in the home.
Inside the house, inspectors found two more dogs, two cats, and a snake living in filthy, unsanitary conditions with overflowing litter trays and animal waste throughout.
A veterinary assessment confirmed Harley was suffering from an infected, foul-smelling wound consistent with a poorly executed castration. The defendant later admitted, through legal counsel, that he was inebriated when the procedure occurred and failed to intervene or seek help.
Magistrate Lana Chester sentenced the man to three months and seven days in prison, suspended on a 12-month good behaviour bond. He was also ordered to pay $5,387 in veterinary, boarding, and legal fees.
Additional court orders were made to protect the other animals in the home, including mandatory quarterly veterinary visits for one year and a ban on acquiring more animals until further notice.
Harley required extensive treatment and recovery and has since been adopted by his RSPCA foster carer after the defendant surrendered him in December 2024.
Under South Australia’s Animal Welfare Act, the maximum penalty for animal cruelty is $20,000 or two years in prison, rising to $50,000 or four years for aggravated cruelty.
RSPCA SA remains the only organisation in the state with legal powers to prosecute under the Act.
