Nelson Plains: Ethan Bolton escapes jail over animal cruelty of Bull Arab dog ‘Lila’

Warning: Graphic images. A severely emaciated Bull Arab found unable to stand on its own, hadn’t been fed properly for up to eight weeks.

It’s been hailed a “miracle” after a dog which was severely emaciated and unable to stand on its own after not being fed properly for up to eight weeks, was able to make a full recovery.

RSPCA NSW Inspector Russell Jarman said in all his days of working as an inspector, Bull Arab dog ‘Lila’ was the skinniest dog he’d ever witnessed, weighing just 14.1kg, more than half the healthy weight of a dog that age and breed.

“She has now found an owner committed to her long-term health and happiness after such significant trauma,” he said.

A severely emaciated 'Lila' the Bull Arab. A Nelson Plains man was sentenced over animal cruelty. Supplied.

Ethan Bolton from Nelson Plains pleaded guilty to failing to provide proper and sufficient food to the animal and being in charge of an animal and failing to provide vet treatment.

At Raymond Terrace Local Court last month he was sentenced to an 18 month intensive corrections order (ICO), 100 hours of community service and a $233 fine.

Bolton will also not be allowed to take care of or own an animal for a period of five years.

Now. A healthy and happy Lila. Supplied.

Then. A severely emaciated 'Lila'. Supplied.

RSPCA NSW said in December last year, Bolton’s landlord had discovered the dog crying with no food and water before they took it to a local vet.

After being examined, RSPCA NSW said it was determined the dog had not been properly fed for up to eight weeks.

Lila is now happy and healthy. Supplied.

In January, an RSPCA inspector visited Bolton, before ownership of the dog was transferred to the landlord, who took over treatment of the animal and rehabilitation.

“There is no excuse to effectively starve an animal who is wholly dependent upon you,“ RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector Scott Meyers said.

“We implore people who are struggling to meet the basic needs of their pets to seek appropriate help, whether that is financial, mental health, or other reasons. Cruelty of this nature is preventable.”