One dog and five pups were seized in Cairns, another two dogs in Toowoomba and one in Brisbane.
“Sadly we are often forced to take in animals that have been severely neglected but these recent cases have been particularly disturbing,” said RSPCA Qld Chief Inspector Daniel Young. “The dogs are emaciated and all have come in within a week. We’re not sure what’s going on but it’s a statewide issue.”
The RSPCA is urging anyone who sees an animal that needs help to report it to them not put it on social media. This can lead to a social media storm and ultimately this can harm the very animal they’re trying to help. How media and social media can have a direct impact in animal cruelty cases
RSPCA Inspectors only need one complaint to investigate concerns, and only first –hand information is helpful. Any social media posts encouraging ‘mass reporting’ simply waste resources and don’t help animals.
“Failure to provide adequate food, water and shelter is an offence and carries a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of over $30,000. If you are feeding your animal and it is still losing condition you need to take it to a vet.”
“In a recent case, someone who wasn’t the original complainant, published photos and the address of a person we were already investigating. Because of this the person fled the property with the animal and we’re now trying to track them down. When people form social media lynch mobs, encouraging people to take the law into their own hands, it can have a major impact on the penalties handed down when offenders go before the court. Magistrates can reduce the penalty because they believe they have already been punished, or are likely to be further punished, by embarrassment and harassment in the public arena.”
