Man nearly killed sick dogs at vet’s

A Pilbara man is facing up to five years in prison after admitting to breaking into a vet in Karratha, nearly killing a pair of sick dogs, and leaving them helpless. Christian Flakemore, 27, cut the IV lines of a labrador named Alfie and a beagle named Toby after he smashed through the window of Karratha Veterinary Hospital last month. Alfie’s owner Jade Hanson said the four-year-old labrador was at the vet’s for suspected poisoning or extreme heat stroke at the time. “His kidneys were failing. He was on full-time medication through the IV,” she said. “He couldn’t move at this point. “He could barely walk.” Miss Hanson said she felt sick when she heard Alfie went three hours without his life-saving medication and worried what else had happened during the burglary. “We don’t know if someone kicked him, like some people are not very nice. It’s obviously not very nice to even go in there in the first place,” she said. “It was a bit scary but we are so happy and so excited to have him back. The vets did really well.” Police said Flakemore stole a stereo as well as a blanket, which had been donated to be used during surgeries. The other dog, Toby, escaped the building and was later found by police. Police told Pilbara News the incident could have been fatal for the dogs, but both were recovering well. Flakemore, from Pegs Creek, pleaded guilty to all charges last week, including two counts of ill treat an animal that is contrary to the Animal Welfare Act, burglary and commit, and stealing. He also pleaded guilty to charges on further matters unrelated to the incident, including two counts of failed to comply with reporting obligations, one breach of a 72-hour police order, and possession of a prohibited weapon, which police said was a pocket knife. He appeared via video link from Roebourne Regional Prison to enter his plea in Karratha Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday. Magistrate Edward De Vries said he would need a pre-sentencing report before his next appearance on March 17. Defence lawyer Carly Price said there was a possibility Flakemore suffered from foetal alcohol spectrum disorder that could have affected his behaviour.