THE RSPCA ACT has expressed its frustration at the sentencing of Annette Banks by Magistrate Dingwall.
Found guilty of two counts of ‘Failure to Provide Veterinary Treatment,’ and one count of ‘Neglecting an animal in a way that causes it pain.’ She was fined approximately $250 for each animal. For the charge of Neglect, there was no fine. An animal ownership ban was not given. Neither was a court order given for the dog who is still currently in RSPCA ACT foster care.
Senior Inspector Croatto expressed her frustration, “Two dogs have suffered greatly with one dying due to the owner’s neglect. I’m not sure what else we can do to convince the magistrates that the punishment should fit the crime.”
An appeal was requested by RSPCA ACT to the Director of Public Prosecutions based on the weak sentencing and lack of order for the surviving dog, but was denied.
“You really have to question the justice system when a person can allow their pet’s flesh to be eaten away by maggots and get slapped with a fine less than a parking ticket. I’m sure that Canberrans are as disgusted as we are by the results of this case,” said RSPCA ACT CEO Tammy Ven Dange.
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