A MAN caused unjustifiable pain and suffering to his dog when he allowed it to have a permanently erect penis for several days, a court has heard.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Peter Charles Graves, 48, of Rocherlea, pleaded guilty in the Launceston Magistrates Court today to one count of animal cruelty.
RSPCA prosecutor Glenn Carey told the court that animal welfare officers received a complaint about a dog on March 24 last year.
Mr Carey said that an officer attended a Rocherlea property that day and found a whimpering, cross-bred dog chained to the back porch.
The prosecutor said the officer took photos of the dog's very red, swollen penis and decided it needed immediate medical treatment to relieve its pain.
The RSPCA removed the dog and found the only suitable treatment was castration for its prolapsed penis.
Mr Carey said that Graves told officers that he had planned to take his dog "Jack" to the vet, but he needed to borrow the money from a friend.
Defence solicitor Alan Hensley said his client was an impecunious disability support pensioner who suffered from numerous health problems and could not afford to pay for a vet.
Magistrate Sharon Cure said the animal would have been suffering from shocking pain.
She fined Graves $300 and banned him from owning a dog for 12 months.
The RSPCA found the dog a new owner.