Busselton Couple Jailed for Torturing Puppy to Death

A couple from Busselton has been sentenced to jail for torturing and killing a bull terrier puppy. Nathan James Dekkers, 26, and Isabel Maree Busher, 26, pleaded guilty to multiple animal cruelty charges, including beating and tormenting the puppy, Douglas, and lying to RSPCA investigators.

The pair was sentenced at the Bunbury Magistrates Court on Friday. Dekkers received an 11-month jail term, while Busher was jailed for eight months. They have also been permanently banned from owning another animal.

According to the court, the pair purchased the eight-week-old bull terrier puppy from a breeder in November 2024. Neighbours reported hearing the couple abusing the dog on multiple occasions between December 8 and 23, and recorded audio of the incidents was handed over to authorities.

The court heard that the recordings captured the puppy's terrified whimpers and yelps as he was beaten and taunted. On one occasion, an audio recording captured Douglas being strangled, while Busher taunted the puppy by growling and yelling at him.

On December 23, the couple was observed by neighbours driving off in a vehicle, returning about an hour later, with Douglas never seen again. RSPCA inspectors and police attended the property that day, where they observed a yard that was small and fully paved, with a build-up of dog faeces and dried blood on the pavement.

The pair initially told authorities they had taken the puppy to a family member's farm, but the relative later denied the claim. RSPCA prosecutor Ruby Harris described the offending as callous and wicked. "The conduct was unwarranted, sadistic and cruel," she said.

In his decision, Magistrate Stephen Butcher said that while Dekkers was the one to strangle and slap the dog on at least one occasion, both were equally culpable in their offending. He said he took into account intense community backlash toward the pair, including harassment they faced while attending court.

Magistrate Butcher also acknowledged a psychiatric assessment of Busher; however, he said it did not explain her offending. "Her psychological profile explains some of the circumstances that have arisen here, but it doesn't excuse it," he said.

Outside court, RSPCA inspector Genna Haines welcomed the decision. "We're pleased with the sentencing; the court has recognised the level of cruelty here," she said. "The pain and terror Douglas was experiencing throughout the seven recorded beatings is evident."

Busher and Dekkers will be eligible for parole after serving half their sentences.