Carey Park man guilty of 'appalling' animal cruelty

Kourosh Bahmani, 49, was found to have maliciously beaten his male staffordshire bull-terrier cross Buddy causing him to suffer significant pain. Bahmani also failed to arrange treatment for a fracture of Buddy’s left leg. 

Two police officers stopped Bahmani earlier this year while on patrol in Lake Monger. 

They observed him on his knees across the rear seat of his parked vehicle, repeatedly punching Buddy with force The blows were directed to Buddy’s left hind led. 

The police report Buddy was cowering against the back of the vehicle, trying to get away from Bahmani. 

As officers removed Bahmani from the vehicle and restrained him, Buddy exited the vehicle and was noticeably nervous and walking with a limp. 

The police ruled Bahmani was not a suitable owner for Buddy, taking the dog from him. 

Upon further inspection by an RSPCA WA inspector, it was revealed that Buddy was struck by a motor vehicle on March 8 in Bunbury and sustained a fracture to his left leg. 

It was found that Bahmani took Buddo to the vet but abandoned the dog for five days before collecting him. 

Pain relief and antibiotics were given to Buddy while he was at the vet. The vet also recommended Buddy undergo surgery to repair his fractured leg and offered a payment plan to Bahmani. This was ignored. 

Veterinary advice concluded that Buddy would have suffered excruciating pain initially and subsequent pain and discomfort for at least four to six weeks. 

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA), Kourosh was charged with maliciously beating an animal and allowing an animal to suffer harm which could have been alleviated by the taking of reasonable steps. 

RSPCA WA chief inspector Amanda Swift said she was pleased with the decision of the court. 

“It is shocking and appalling to see these kinds of intentional and callous cruelty imposed on animals,” she said. .

“Today’s court decision reaffirms that any act of cruelty against animals is an offence punishable by law and that there is simply no excuse whatsoever for such malicious behaviour.”

Bahmani was fined $5000, ordered to pay veterinary costs of $2096.75 and legal costs of $1500.

He was also ordered to forfeit Buddy to RSPCA WA and prohibited from owning an animal for two years.  

The maximum penalties for individuals under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 is up to five years imprisonment and up to $50,000 fine.