Dog breeder didn't dock tail

A ROCKHAMPTON rare dog breeder accused of docking her dog's tail this week tried to make the RSPCA pay for their misleading claims.

In January the RSPCA charged Raewyn Agnew with docking her seven-month-old male boxer's tail.

As part of the investigation the RSPCA sought the advice of thee local veterinarians, who all said that extensive scaring around the tail area could be consistent with tail-docking.

But Ms Agnew fought the allegations.

She went to extensive lengths to prove her animals were a special breed known as bobtails, costing her almost $4000.

When a Brisbane veterinary specialist backed up her claims, the RSPCA conceded.

On Wednesday in Rockhampton Magistrates Court it withdrew the charge against Ms Agnew, but she applied to the court for compensation to cover legal, transport and specialist costs.

Solicitor Doug Winning, who appeared for the RSPCA pro bono, insisted the investigation was brought on in good faith.

He said RSPCA senior inspector Shayne-Towers Hammond was told of alleged tail docking by a New Zealand couple who worked for Ms Agnew.

“On evidence of (the couple) and the opinion of three vets, there was adequate evidence for the charge,” Mr Winning said.

“The investigation was continued in good faith until (the RSPCA) was told of the specialist vet report and they decided not to continue.”

Magistrate Annette Hennessy said caution needed to be shown when ordering costs against an organisation that is funded by community donations.

She said she was satisfied the investigation was started and continued in good faith and was not persuaded that officers failed to fully investigate.

Ms Hennessy denied the applications for costs, awarding no compensation to Ms Agnew.