A Perth woman who was filmed strangling her one-year-old puppy after becoming frustrated with the dog chewing her belongings has avoided serving time in prison.
Lani Beattie, 23, was recorded by a passerby standing over Roxy in the backyard of her Beckenham home on October 13 last year.
The witness alerted police and the RSPCA after seeing the Staffy-Kelpie cross tied to a carport pole with a rope around her neck. They reported hearing the frightened puppy yelping, screaming, choking and struggling.
The witness also saw Beattie allegedly use a second rope to strangle Roxy before suspending the puppy by the neck as she tried to escape.
Beattie later told police she no longer wanted Roxy because the dog was “chewing up all my s***” and had become a source of frustration.
A veterinary examination found that Roxy had bruising, swelling and bleeding around her right eye. Her behaviour was also consistent with psychological trauma.
The puppy was removed from Beattie’s care and eventually recovered after being taken into the care of RSPCA WA. She has since been rehomed.
Court Condemns the Abuse
Beattie appeared at Perth Magistrates Court, where an RSPCA WA prosecutor described the incident as “wicked” and “sustained” cruelty.
Magistrate Michelle Harries called Beattie’s actions “abhorrent” and said the facts of the case were serious and should leave her deeply ashamed.
Beattie was convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to six months and 14 days in prison. However, the sentence was suspended for 12 months, meaning she will not serve the jail term provided she complies with the conditions imposed by the court.
She was also banned from owning or caring for animals for five years and ordered to pay more than $1,600 to RSPCA WA.
RSPCA WA inspector manager Kylie Green said even experienced animal welfare officers were horrified by what happened to Roxy.
She stressed that young dogs can naturally chew objects, particularly when they lack appropriate training, attention and stimulation.
Using destructive behaviour as a reason to hurt an animal, she said, cannot be justified.
Understanding Puppy Behavior
Chewing is a normal behavior for young dogs and can often be managed through positive training, exercise, appropriate chew toys and consistent supervision. Puppies also need patience as they learn household boundaries. When destructive behavior becomes difficult to manage, veterinary professionals and qualified trainers can help identify underlying issues and develop safe, humane solutions without putting the animal at risk.
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