Two Geraldton women face court over separate alleged animal cruelty charges

Two Geraldton women have had separate matters of animal cruelty heard in court after the RSPCA investigated two suspected cases in the area. Lorraine Anjela Coleen Harris, 34, faced court on two charges of being a person who was cruel to an animal. According to the RSPCA, a Bull Arab puppy and an adult Boxer were found abandoned in a Beachlands property in May. It was alleged the house had no food or water and was covered in urine and faeces. A spokesperson for the organisation said a City of Greater Geraldton ranger gave between seven and nine 1.5L bottles of water through the front door fly screen which both dogs drank “in a desperate manner”. The RSPCA said vets confirmed both dogs were underweight, dehydrated and had infections as a result of their living conditions. The dogs were taken into foster care, where they remained. Ms Harris initially failed to appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday and an arrest warrant was issued. However, the warrant was cancelled after she appeared about an hour later and the matter moved to February 3. The other woman facing charges, Miranda Kie Cogan, was a non-appearance on the same day. The 42-year-old sent an email to the court saying she had a medical procedure and was unable to attend. According to the RSPCA, her animal cruelty charge came after inspectors visited a Wonthella address and found a starving young staffy whippet cross in August. The animal welfare organisation said a vet analysis showed the dog had no discernible body fat, had lost most of her muscle mass and had pain from an old fracture in her tail. The RSPCA said the dog was more than 5kg underweight, with the outline of her ribs, hips and spine visible, as well as pressure sores due to a lack of muscle when lying on the floor. It alleged the dog was also anaemic due to malnourishment. Ms Cogan is scheduled to appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday, January 13.