A Tasmanian woman has been banned from owning animals for seven years after her dog was found starving at a property in the state’s north.
RSPCA Tasmania inspectors went to the property in June 2025 after a report of a critically unwell dog.
They executed a search warrant and found a dog they said was “severely emaciated” and in “extremely poor condition”.
The dog was seized and taken to an animal emergency hospital for urgent treatment.
The RSPCA said she had a body condition score of just one out of nine and weighed only 11 kilograms at the time.
She needed intensive care and took about 11 weeks to regain a healthy weight.
The organisation said the dog has since recovered in its care and will be rehomed.
Her owner, Kristy Williams, was charged with two counts of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 for failing to provide adequate food and water and failing to provide veterinary treatment.
Williams pleaded guilty to both charges in the Devonport Magistrates Court on September 15.
She was convicted and handed a 12-month Community Correction Order and ordered to pay RSPCA costs of $6,459.43.
The court also disqualified her from having custody of any animals for seven years.
The RSPCA said the dog’s suffering could have been avoided.
“This was a completely preventable situation. Had the dog been provided with adequate nutrition, she would not have experienced the pain and suffering associated with malnutrition, starvation and diarrhoea,” a spokesperson said.
Inspectors urged owners to meet their animals’ welfare needs every day and to seek help early if they were struggling to cope.
Chief Inspector Jayden Stirrup thanked the public for speaking up.
“This case highlights the vital role the community plays in protecting animals,” he said.
“We are grateful to the person who reported this dog’s condition, allowing our inspectors to intervene before it was too late.”
