THE woman at the centre of an horrific animal cruelty case has been identified as a former dog foster carer.
Gemma Louise Tovey was found guilty in her absence on September 23 in Mandurah Magistrates Court of three counts of cruelty to an animal by abandonment and one count of failing to provide proper and sufficient food to an animal.
The court heard RSPCA inspectors went to Ms Tovey’s former address in Waroona on September 12, 2012 and found two emaciated and abandoned dogs locked inside.
Another dog, a female greyhound, was found dead in a pool of urine.
A later inspection of the home revealed faecal matter littering the floor and walls and scratches on a toilet door indicating a dog had been locked in for some time.
The greyhound, which weighed just 14.1kgs, was taken to Murdoch Hospital for an autopsy which revealed leather, metal and elastic bands in its stomach.
The average weight of a female greyhound of similar age was reported to be between 27-34kg.
Inspectors seized the remaining dogs – a Siberian husky and a rotti/staffy X.
New information now suggests the Siberian husky seized from Ms Tovey was actually a foster dog placed in the offender’s care by rescue group Greyhound Angels.
Melita Shonis from the rescue group said Shona was fostered by Ms Tovey on August 7.
Within weeks Shona was missing, with Ms Tovey telling Ms Shonis the dog was in the care of a friend.
Ms Shonis was then told the husky had been seized by the RSPCA.
“It’s heartbreaking,” she said.
“In 20 years of Greyhound Angels we have never had this happen.
“We have never lost a dog.”
The RSPCA is yet to confirm the husky seized from Ms Tovey’s property was Shona.
“We would love her back,” Ms Shonis said.
“But at the end of the day I’ll be happy if Shona’s happy.
“I’ve been fearful this whole time she was dead.
“Now at least I have a glimmer of hope.”
Ms Tovey was contacted for comment regarding the foster dog.
She did not reply.
Ms Tovey now faces a maximum penalty of $50,000 and five years imprisonment.
Prosecutors are also seeking to have her banned from owning dogs.
During a brief appearance this week she was not required to comment.
No defence has been raised on her behalf.
She was released on $1000 bail pending her sentence date on November 25.
