Two people have been disqualified from owning dogs after a severely emaciated animal was rescued by RSPCA inspectors in Tasmania and nursed back to health.
WARNING: This story contains an image that may distress some viewers.
Inspectors attended a property in the state’s south after concerns were reported for the welfare of a dog named Lexi.
Lexi was found in an “extremely emaciated condition, with a body condition score of approximately 0.5 out of 5”, the RSPCA said in a statement.
Lexi was “immediately seized and transported for urgent veterinary treatment,” the RSPCA said, adding the dog had “since made a full recovery and has been successfully rehomed”.
Lexi in her undernourished state. (Supplied: RSPCA)
The matter was heard before Hobart Magistrates Court in separate proceedings involving co-accused Susan Bester and Jake Elliot.
Bester was fined $500, ordered to pay approximately $1,200 in costs to RSPCA, and disqualified from owning or having custody of any dogs for a period of five years.
Elliot initially pleaded not guilty but subsequently entered a plea of guilty to the offence of animal cruelty.
He had a conviction recorded, was fined $500 and disqualified from having custody of any dog for a period of five years.
The RSPCA welcomed the disqualification orders, which it said would “help protect animals from future neglect”.
