Two people have been convicted of animal cruelty and banned from owning dogs for five years after a severely starved dog was rescued from a property in southern Tasmania.
RSPCA Tasmania inspectors seized the dog, named Lexi, after receiving welfare concerns about the animal.
On arrival at the property, inspectors say they found Lexi in an extremely emaciated state with a body condition score of roughly 0.5 out of 5.
She was immediately taken for urgent veterinary treatment and required intensive care and rehabilitation.
The RSPCA says Lexi has since made a full recovery and has been re-homed.
The case was heard in Hobart Magistrates Court in separate proceedings involving Susan Bester and Jake Elliot.
Bester pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and was convicted, fined $500, ordered to pay around $1,200 in costs to the RSPCA and banned from owning or having custody of any dogs for five years.
Elliot initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty.
The court recorded a conviction, imposed a $500 fine and banned him from having custody of any dog for five years.
RSPCA Tasmania said it welcomed the completion of the court proceedings and the bans, which “help protect animals from future neglect”.
The organisation acknowledged the fines were limited given the severity of Lexi’s suffering but said the convictions and five-year bans “acknowledge the seriousness of the offending and help prevent further animal welfare breaches”.
RSPCA Tasmania said the case was a reminder that animal owners have a legal obligation to provide adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary treatment.
Anyone with concerns about an animal’s welfare can contact RSPCA Tasmania on 1300 139 947.
