The court convicted the 27-year-old on two counts of animal cruelty after RSPCA Victoria inspectors attended a property at Sugarloaf Creek, prompted by a report from a member of the public.
The inspectors found two visibly underweight dogs without access to water.
Despite the dogs initially regaining weight, with the inspectors offering assistance through creating a written feeding plan, and providing the animals with food and flea treatments, the inspectors found that they soon became again underweight without access to water.
The inspectors seized the animals following this.
RSPCA Victoria's treating veterinarian said the animals’ starvation was obvious to the average person.
“The dogs were suffering from starvation ... caused by inadequate nutrition for at least four weeks prior to entering RSPCA care,” the veterinarian said.
“The rapid weight gain in care indicates they had been starving for an extended period.
“A layperson should have recognised their severe underweight condition and sought veterinary advice before the RSPCA’s intervention.”
Magistrate Allison Vaughan found all charges proven, convicting the woman with $2500 in fines and a six-year ban on animal ownership.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said failing to provide animals with sufficient food was cruelty.
“There is no excuse if you starve your animal like this,” Ms Green said.
“RSPCA inspectors are dedicated to helping animals escape cruelty, and that can include working with owners to educate them on what their animals need to be healthy.
“However, failing to provide food and water, especially when their starvation is obvious to the average person, is simply cruel and should never happen to any animal.”
These offences fall under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Offenders may face fines up to $48,397.50 or 12 months behind bars if found guilty of cruelty offences.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or by calling 9224 2222.
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