The community of Busselton — and all of Western Australia — were shocked and horrified by the recent case of extreme animal cruelty that has come to light. Isabel Maree Busher and Nathan James Dekkers have been charged following a disturbing investigation by RSPCA WA into the alleged prolonged torture of a young puppy.

On 23 December 2024, RSPCA WA and WA Police received a report that the 26-year-old man and 25-year-old woman had been heard on several occasions over many weeks committing the alleged offences against the 14-week-old dog.

The report was accompanied by graphic recordings of the alleged incidents. Loud hitting and smacking noises can be heard, along with the puppy loudly and repeatedly yelping and crying in pain and severe
distress.

Both accused can be heard tormenting the puppy by barking and growling at him and yelling threats to kill and injure.

In one of the recordings, the puppy appears to defecate mid-beating, leading the male accused to scream further profanities. In another, sounds consistent with the puppy being strangled can be heard.

Seven audio recordings were supplied to RSPCA WA in total. The puppy was not seen or heard following the final recording on 23 December.

Both Busher and Dekkers are facing multiple serious charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. If found guilty, they can each face up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fines — the maximum penalties under WA law.

Penalties for offences of animal cruelty are set out in section 19(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002

Penalties are determined by the court and handed down at the court's discretion. Magistrates determine the penalties that they consider appropriate based upon the evidence presented in court by the prosecution and offender. 

But will they receive it? That’s up to the courts — and the public must demand it.

The Punishment Must Fit the Crime!

Too often, offenders in horrific animal cruelty cases walk away with nothing more than fines or short bans from owning pets. This cannot happen here.

This is a defining moment. The alleged torture and death of an innocent puppy deserves the harshest punishment available under law — significant jail time, full fines, and a lifetime ban on owning animals.

If the courts do not act with the full weight of justice, what message does that send to our community?

How You Can Help:

✅ Sign this petition to demand that the WA justice system impose the maximum possible penalties on Isabel Maree Busher and Nathan James Dekkers, if found guilty. The petition will be emailed to the court.

✅ Share this petition widely and help rally public support for justice.

✅ Write to your local WA Member of Parliament and ask them to ensure animal cruelty laws are enforced properly — and call for stronger sentencing guidelines to prevent repeat offences.

This puppy endured the worst kind of suffering — it must not be in vain. We must stand together to say: enough is enough.

Let Busselton be the turning point. Let this be the case that sets a new standard for animal justice in Western Australia.

#JusticeForThePuppy #WAAnimalCruelty #PunishmentMustFitTheCrime #BusseltonJustice #AnimalJusticeNow