A 23-year-old woman in Australia was captured on video strangling her puppy in a disturbing act of cruelty because the dog was chewing her belongings. Lani Beattie received a suspended jail sentence for mistreating her young pet named Roxy. The incident took place in Beckenham, Perth, where a bystander witnessed Beattie tying Roxy to a pole with a rope around her neck, causing the dog distress.
The witness reported the incident to RSPCA WA after seeing Roxy in pain. Veterinary examinations revealed that Roxy suffered bruising, swelling, bleeding in her eye, and showed signs of psychological distress. Beattie justified her actions by claiming that she no longer wanted Roxy due to the dog’s destructive behavior.
Roxy has been rehomed by RSPCA WA following the incident. Beattie appeared in court on July 2, where the prosecutor described her behavior as cruel and wicked. The magistrate, Michelle Harries, condemned Beattie’s actions as abhorrent and serious, leading to a conviction for animal cruelty. Beattie was sentenced to six months and 14 days in prison, which was suspended for 12 months with supervision and program requirements.
Additionally, Beattie is prohibited from owning or caring for animals for five years and has been ordered to pay over $1,600 to RSPCA WA. RSPCA WA inspector manager Kylie Green expressed shock at the abuse inflicted on Roxy, emphasizing the terror and pain the dog endured. Green highlighted the importance of proper training, attention, and care for young dogs to prevent destructive behavior, criticizing Beattie’s justification for her actions as illogical and unjustifiable.