A woman from Western Sydney has been convicted of two offences contrary to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) (POCTAA) following the seizure of two Maltese dogs in September 2025.
The defendant was sentenced at Windsor Local Court on March 26, 2026, after earlier pleading guilty to two charges of failing to provide veterinary treatment for dental disease and flea infestation, and poor body condition and matting, respectively. She was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month Conditional Release Order, ordered to forfeit all animals in her care except for one cat, and disqualified from owning or otherwise caring for animals for five years with the same exception. Animal care costs were awarded to RSPCA NSW totalling $13,709.
The woman was already known to RSPCA NSW when an inspector attended her property in September 2025 in response to a report about a Maltese dog in poor body condition with matted fur.
Upon the inspector’s arrival, the woman presented two Maltese dogs that were both in poor body condition with hips, ribs and spines protruding. The fur of both dogs was also heavily matted with patches of fur missing from their backs.
Both dogs were heavily matted and visibly underweight.
The woman told the inspector that the dogs had not been to the vet in years and declined to do so when asked by the inspector, citing financial concerns. She also declined an offer to surrender the dogs into the care of RSPCA NSW.
In a recorded interview, the woman said the dogs had been in their current condition for at least a couple of weeks.
Both dogs were subsequently seized by the inspector and transported to the RSPCA NSW Veterinary Clinic in Yagoona.
Following their examination, it was found that:
- Both dogs were badly matted and had required veterinary treatment for that condition for at least two weeks.
- Both dogs had live flea infestations and associated skin issues that had also required veterinary treatment for at least two weeks.
- One dog presented with grade 3/4 dental disease and the other with grade 4/4 dental disease, being the most advanced stage. The dogs had required veterinary treatment for that condition for at least four weeks.
- One of the dogs was very underweight and had needed veterinary treatment for poor body condition for at least six weeks.
“We always try to work with owners first to address any welfare concerns with animals in their care,” said an inspector involved in the matter.
“Unfortunately, in this case, intervention was necessary to ensure the dogs received the veterinary treatment they required.”
Both dogs have since been successfully rehomed by RSPCA NSW.
RSPCA NSW would like to remind the community that if you have any concerns about an animal’s welfare, please call our cruelty hotline on 1300 278 358.
GRAPHIC IMAGES WARNING. Images are available for download here.
