A 28-year-old Wellard woman has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly leaving her two pet rats to perish inside her home without water during a heatwave.
An RSPCA inspector attended the woman’s home in February this year after receiving a cruelty report regarding animals potentially being left in the house for approximately two weeks.
After obtaining consent to enter the home, the inspector observed two deceased domesticated rats inside the home which was so hot and humid her phone camera fogged up while inside.
There was food available to the rats, but no water, and one rat appeared to have dried blood around their nose and legs.
The rats were seized and transported to RSPCA WA.
The accused has been charged under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(d) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002. RSPCA WA will allege she was cruel to the rats in that she did not provide them with sufficient water.
The maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
The charge will be heard in Armadale Magistrates Court on 23 July 2024.
The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect. Report cruelty 24/7 on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au.
