WARNING: Several disturbing images below
A former Canberra businessman has been convicted and sentenced under the Animal Welfare Act (1992) after nine dogs were injured at two dog grooming salons he owned in the territory.
RSPCA ACT received reports between June 1 and September 9, 2013, that nine dogs had suffered significant injuries and burns after they received grooming services at Animal Attractions Grooming Salon in Macquarie and Dog World Grooming Salon in Hume. The now Melbourne-based businessman Lance Baker owned both establishments at the time.
On June 1 2013, one dog was found to have significant injuries after it fell from a grooming benches when the leash securing it broke. A vet examination afterwards found the fall had caused significant injuries to its back right leg which, if left untreated, would result in arthritis and loss of normal limb function.
Between 18 July and 9 September 2013 eight dogs were found to have suffered burns after they were placed in a small carry cage with a cylindrical or barrel dryer pointed at their body at close proximity.
RSPCA ACT Inspectors attended both salons and found that the dogs were placed in carriers that were too small to allow the animals to move and were provided with little ventilation. In addition, the dryer caused the cage to get very hot and showed signs of wear and tear.
Magistrate Beth Campbell was shocked by the dogs’ injuries. Court transcripts record her saying, “I don’t think she’ll [her own dog] ever go to a groomer again after hearing these stories.”
RSPCA ACT Senior Inspector Catherine Croatto was also appalled by the pain the animals suffered at the salons.
“These dogs were severely burnt whilst in cages, unable to escape the pain. The fact that the magistrate stated that she found it difficult to look at the photographs of the injuries was so telling. These dogs now bear the horrific scars of their ordeal, affected for life as they continue to suffer both physically and psychologically.”
Mr Baker was found guilty and fined $6,000 and sentenced to 4 months imprisonment which was suspended immediately upon his entering into an 18 month good behaviour bond.
RSPCA ACT CEO, Tammy Ven Dange understood the sentencing given the penalties available to the magistrate, but was disappointed that Mr Baker did not receive actual jail time.
“In any business, the owner is ultimately responsible for the actions of their employees,” she said.
“This owner showed no remorse and neither did he stop these practices despite being made officially aware of the problem by both the dogs’ owners and our inspectors after the first four dogs were harmed.”
Prosecutor Mr Sweeney was quoted in official transcripts as saying, “This stopped because of the RSPCA. The RSPCA inspectors put an end to this, not the defendant.”
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