RSPCA fines Hebersham woman for animal cruelty

A 29-year-old woman has been banned from owning animals after her three dogs were found diseased and underfed. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES.

A Hebersham woman has been ordered to pay more than $15,000 to the RSPCA after being sentenced on animal cruelty charges towards three dogs after they were found emaciated and diseased. Picture: RSPCA NSW

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A Hebersham woman has been ordered to pay more than $15,000 to the RSPCA after being sentenced on animal cruelty towards three dogs after they were found emaciated and diseased.

The 29-year-old woman was convicted in Mt Druitt Local Court last month after pleading guilty to failing to provide vet treatment for three dogs and providing treatment for periodontal disease for two dogs in her care.

An RSPCA vet deemed the dogs to be severely emaciated and just days away from death. Picture: RSPCA NSW

RSPCA inspectors were called to the woman’s home in April 2019 after receiving a report about six dogs being kept in poor condition at the premises.

The inspectors found six dogs uncontained in the front yard and spoke to the woman, who admitted she was the owner of three small dogs, while her partner was responsible for the American Staffordshire cross and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The woman told inspectors she was aware the dogs had lost weight and that she needed to take them to the vet, but could not afford the expense.

A 20 cent coin shows the severely emaciated frame of one of the seized dogs. Picture: RSPCA NSW

The inspectors seized three small dogs – Demi, Rocky, and Alfie – and made orders for the Rottweiler cross and the American Staffordshire Terrier receive vet care within seven days.

A black and white female Papillon was found to be severe anaemia, periodontal disease and skeletal abnormalities.

A black and tan Tibetan Spaniel cross Maltese had mild anaemia, periodontal disease and other complications. A tan-coloured Chihuahua also had anaemia and skull abnormalities.

The dogs’ medical conditions were found to have been treatable and could have been prevented. Picture: RSPCA NSW

The vet deemed the emaciation, dehydration and anaemia would have resulted in the dogs’ death within days if they were left untreated.

The medical conditions were found to have been treatable and could have been prevented with adequate food and vet care.

All dogs have improved in health since receiving treatment.

A vet assessment of the dogs found they had periodontal disease. Picture: RSPCA NSW

Their owner was sentenced to a 12-month Conditional Release Order, which will require her to be of good behaviour.

She was also ordered to pay $15,733.72 for vet and shelter costs and was banned from owning a dog for two years.