New life for lucky Dallas
DALLAS the staffy cross is considering changing his name to Lucky now he has a full belly and a loving home at the foot of Mt Roland.
Six months ago, Dallas was starving to death and riddled with fleas when he was found by an RSPCA officer and removed from a Burnie house.
It was too late to save his “brother” Scooby who was found dead in an open porch. An autopsy showed that dog had been so hungry he had eaten woven material in a desperate bid to stay alive.
The woman who was meant to be looking after the dogs was this week banned from having custody of a canine for the next 10 years after pleading guilty to aggravated animal cruelty in Burnie Magistrates Court.
Dallas is now 14kg heavier than when he was removed from the Shorewell backyard. His coat and eyes are shining and he is loving life an full of energy.
Now two years old, Dallas is settling into life with the Thomson family who run a restaurant at Gowrie Park, near Sheffield.
The Thomsons had recently lost their pet spaniel when they visited the RSPCA’s Spreyton Animal Centre.
“I said ‘he is so beautiful’ as soon as I saw him and had to have him,” Kate Thomson said yesterday as Dallas snuggled in for a cuddle.
The family has had Dallas since last Friday and he is already part of the family. “He is enjoying the couch, that’s for sure. he thinks that is just wonderful,” Mrs Thomson said.
“He needs puppy training but it is obvious already he is smart and quick to learn. He is a wonderful little dog.”
RSPCA officer Lisa Edwards said it was great to record a happy ending to such a tragic abuse story
Magistrate Leanne Topfer told the dog’s former owner, Jackie Jacobson, her neglect of the two dogs in her care was a serious offence. “It was inexcusable. Those poor dogs most have suffered terribly and the public will be rightly outraged,” Magistrate Topfer said.
A charge of aggravated animal cruelty can attract a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $3600. Ms Jacobson had a conviction recorded and was sentenced to a community correction order for 12 months.