A FREMANTLE man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly leaving his dog to die while he went on holiday.

The 46-year-old will appear in Fremantle Magistrates Court tomorrow to face the charge.

It will be alleged that RSPCA inspectors went to his property on January 18 after receiving a complaint about an animal in distress.

They found Bessie, a blue heeler, lying on its side under a tree.

The animal appeared to be gasping for breath with dilated pupils and bright red gums.

The inspectors tried to contact the owner and later found out that he had gone away on holidays.

It was revealed the dog had cancer.

When an RSPCA inspector made contact with the owner later that month, he allegedly told them he had left water and a bone for the dog and had expected the dog to be dead by the time he returned.

He allegedly claimed it would have stressed the dog out to take it to the vet.

A veterinary examination determined Bessie was suffering from a state of infectious shock and she was euthanised.