William Mangles Carlyle Moyes: Bridgetown man fined $112,000 after 39 dogs found in ‘squalid’ conditions

A 60-year-old Bridgetown man has been issued a lifetime animal breeding ban from the court after RSPCA West Australia inspectors seized 39 labradoodles from his South West home last year. William Mangles Carlyle Moyes appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court this week where he pleaded guilty to 28 charges of animal cruelty relating to the dogs. The court was told the offender was running a breeding operation to benefit from the popularity of the labrador-poodle crossbreed, showing no concern for the dogs’ welfare, health, and safety. He was reported by a member of the public who had been to the house to buy a puppy for $5000. After seeing the state of the home in which the dog’s were being kept, she refused to go through with the purchase. When the RSPCA arrived at the man’s property, the inspector reported finding filthy, squalid conditions reeking of urine and faeces. The inspector observed puppies hiding in pools of urine while being stood on by the bigger dogs, with some being lethargic, non-responsive and not exhibiting normal behaviour. Their fur were also reported to be dirty and matted. One dog was even stuck down the side of the bed, and another seen drinking stagnant water from an open, broken sewerage pipe. The inspector noted there were wet and dirty dog beds in the corners of the room and no fresh food or water available for the dogs and puppies. The dogs were seized by the RSPCA and forfeited to the Crown. RSPCA WA inspector manager Kylie Green said the dogs were seized and, upon examination, found to be suffering from a variety of conditions including ear and other infections, conjunctivitis, embedded grass seeds, heavily matted fur, weight issues and dental disease. “A lot of the dogs and puppies were also suffering from significant psychological harm, as determined by a veterinary behaviourist,” she said. “If you buy from an unregistered breeder, if you buy off the internet or social media, or if you buy without seeing the puppy is being raised in clean, safe conditions and its mum is happy and healthy, then there’s a chance you are supporting this kind of cruelty.” The magistrate handed down more than $112,000 in fines for the cruel act of neglect, half of which was suspended, with a further $28,000 order to cover costs and compensation. Moyes was also banned from owning any animal for 40 years, however, a single exception was made to the rule — the court allowing the man to have up to three sterilised dogs. Any dogs the offender owns in the future under the conditions of the ban must be registered and microchipped in his name, with the man required to permit visits from RSPCA WA inspectors and rangers to monitor his compliance with the prohibition order.