A Perth woman has been hit with a hefty fine and court costs after a shocking attempt to hide drugs inside her miniature dachshund, an act a magistrate ruled caused the animal 'unnecessary harm'.
Desperate Act in a Car Park
The incident began in February 2024 in the Girrawheen suburb of Perth. Police officers noticed Tricia Margot Naussedat, 44, speeding out of a shopping centre car park and moved to intercept her vehicle. As officers informed her they intended to search her car, it is alleged that Naussedat retrieved a small package from her bra.
In a desperate bid to avoid detection, she then allegedly attempted to insert the package, which contained approximately two grams of methamphetamine, into her dog's anus. The dachshund, named Busta, was suffering from painfully swollen and infected anal glands at the time, a condition Naussedat was aware of having taken him to a vet just the day before.
Court Ruling and Outcry
Naussedat was subsequently charged with drug possession and failing to provide a oral fluid sample. In court, Magistrate Andrew Maughan ordered her to pay a $1,750 fine for the animal cruelty offence, plus a staggering $20,238 in court costs.
Outside the court, Naussedat lashed out at the verdict, telling waiting media, 'It's his decision, but he's wrong.' Despite the RSPCA's push for a ban, the magistrate dismissed calls to prevent her from owning another animal.
A New Home for Busta
Following a cruelty report from police, RSPCA inspectors seized Busta from Naussedat's care. The organisation has confirmed that the dog has made a full recovery from his ordeal and is now living happily with a new family.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green expressed her satisfaction with the court's outcome, stating the offender's actions were 'incomprehensible'. Ms Green emphasised, 'The offender knew Busta was in pain and suffering from an infection and that her actions could have caused him more suffering.'
It has since been revealed that Naussedat has acquired a new dog, a miniature dachshund named Roxy. The case highlights the serious penalties for animal cruelty in Western Australia, which can reach a $50,000 fine and five years in prison.
