Sydney woman sentenced after repeatedly allowing her Havanese dog to ingest meth and opioids
- Woman allowed her dog to use drugs
- Dog overdosed on meth four times
- RSPCA said the woman’s actions were disgusting
A reckless dog owner has been found guilty of allowing her pet to use drugs, including meth and opioids.
The 30-year-old woman from western Sydney was slapped with 15 months community service for the outrageous act.
Her one-year-old dog Loca, a Havanese, died after vets discovered the animal had ingested methamphetamine four times over a year.
Loca was found to have taken meth no less than four times in the space of a year before the dog died
Veterinarians who cared for the dog after becoming aware of the owner’s lack of care were shocked by the discovery.
RSPCA Chief NSW Inspector Scott Myers told Daily Mail Australia the owner’s negligence was unfathomable.
“How this little dog was able to repeatedly ingest illegal drugs is nothing short of disgusting,” said Mr. Myers.
Mr Myers said he agreed with the court’s decision to punish the woman.
“RSPCA NSW reiterates the opinion of the Court that most pet owners are desperately trying to do the right thing and fulfill their obligations to their animals,” he said.
“But this was a clear and repeated failure of responsibility that caused an animal needless suffering. It will not be tolerated’.
When the woman was questioned by authorities, she claimed that Loca accidentally consumed the drugs in a park.
Toxicology reports from pathologists found that the Loca was severely poisoned after consuming meth and opioids, after which the dog was taken into care but later died
She said the dog “found and ate something” after taking the dog to a dog off-leash area in northern Parramatta.
The woman dismissed concerns that Loca had used the drugs more than once.
She said it was a case of “bad luck” as the dog was “looking for trouble all the time.”
The woman had also allowed Loca to use opioids, which almost led to the dog’s death due to a serious illness.
Officers from the RSPCA were notified that the dog ingested the drugs in February 2022.
It wasn’t until May 2023 that officers were able to locate Loca and his owner, after the dog was taken to a veterinary clinic when the animal was poisoned for a fourth time.
The RSPCA was unable to revive the dog.
Loca was found to have inhaled a significant amount of toxins from taking the drugs.
Pathologists from the peak animal welfare group were unable to determine how Loca died.
The owner of the dog is not allowed to buy or own any animals for at least five years.