Brownie and Snowy's story (and how you can help)

For every animal welfare concern the RSPCA investigates, our Inspectors try to educate and change pet ownership attitudes and behaviours. But sadly, sometimes education is just not enough.

This is how Brownie, Snowy and three puppies ended up in RSPCA care.

Our Inspectorate was alerted to a property where underweight dogs were sighted; Snowy and Brownie. Over the next few months, our Inspectors regularly attended the property to follow up Animal Welfare Directions to ensure the owner was complying by providing appropriate food, water, shelter and general pet care.

Snowy pictured below.

Brownie pictured above.

Over that time, Brownie the dog had also given birth to puppies.

Despite regular investigations and follow ups, the situation these dogs and now puppies were in, had not substantially improved over time. It was clear that despite our Inspector’s efforts to help change how these pets were cared for, the only remaining action was to seize the dogs and puppies. This way, they could get the treatment they needed and find a better life. 

Snowy pictured above, waiting to be checked by RSPCA vet.

You can help continue to be there for animals in need by joining us for our virtual event RSPCA Million Paws Walk: Walk This May, and fundraise for dogs like Brownie and Snowy. 

Sign up to the Million Paws Walk: Walk This May, now to fight animal cruelty!

RSPCA veterinary examinations showed that both Snowy and Brownie were emaciated. They also had fleas and hookworm. The puppies (Zoe, Lilly and Toby) were also thin, dehydrated, and had hookworm. 

It didn’t take long for Snowy, Brownie and the puppies to recover and go on to find a happy, new life.

All five have since been adopted into loving families.

Their original owner was taken to court.

The Magistrate stated, “You can’t have an animal and give them no feeding or care and expect them to be ok.”

Their owner was convicted and ordered to perform 60 hours of unpaid community service, pay $555.09 vet and boarding costs, pay $250 legal professional costs, and pay $101.80 costs of summons. 

Most importantly, he was prohibited from owning all animals for 5 years. 

Help our Inspectors make a difference to the lives of animals. Join us for our vitual event RSPCA Million Paws Walk: Walk This May, and fundraise for pets like Snowy, Brownie, Toby, Zoe and Lilly. 

Sign up to the Million Paws Walk: Walk This May, now to fight animal cruelty!

Above: Happy and healthy, Snowy showing off a big smile (left) and Brownie sitting for a delicious treat (right).