Sutherland Shire Woman Convicted of Animal Cruelty after Maltese Terrier was found with Severely Matted Fur Equivalent to 25% of its Body Weight

A 36-year-old woman failed to appear at Picton Local Court in relation to three offences contrary to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) including one charge of failing to provide veterinary treatment for severe matting, one charge of failing to provide veterinary treatment for emaciation and one charge of failing to provide proper and sufficient food for a five year old Maltese Terrier.

In her absence from court, the woman sent an email in which she indicated a plea of guilty but asked not to be convicted. The Magistrate accepted the plea of guilty but determined to sentence her in her absence (as they are permitted to do under the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW)). As a result, she was convicted in relation to all offences, and fined a total of $1750 for the failure to provide veterinary treatment for severe matting and failure to provide proper and sufficient food. There was no additional penalty for the failure to provide veterinary treatment for emaciation. In addition, she was disqualified from owning animals for a period of five (5) years.

In September 2023, RSPCA NSW Inspectors responded to a cruelty complaint in relation to a small, white, severely matted dog. The dog was located in the backyard and was found so heavily matted that he could not see.

Upon examining the dog, Inspectors found that his body condition was very poor, however just how underweight the dog was could not be determined due to the extensive matting of his coat.

Winston, the Maltese Terrier, with severely matted fur.

When questioned, the defendant informed Inspectors that the owner of the dog had been incarcerated and that she had been responsible for the dog over the last few months, in the owner’s absence. She admitted that she had not been attending to the dog because she had moved house and revealed she had not been to the property in two weeks.

The dog was seized by Inspectors and taken to an RSPCA NSW veterinary hospital for medical care and treatment. The defendant was offered the chance to surrender the dog to RSPCA NSW, which she accepted.

Examination by a veterinarian revealed that the dog was severely matted, so much so that his shoulders and pelvis were no longer visible. He was also emaciated, weighing only 3.1kg and found to be suffering from anemia. It was estimated that the dog had not been provided with proper and sufficient food for a period of at least three weeks.

Whilst in the care of RSPCA NSW, the dog received a general anesthetic and was given a full body clip. After clipping, it was calculated that the severely matted coat represented 25% of the dog’s total body weight. The dog also received all necessary vaccinations, worm and flea preventatives and was provided with high caloric density food.

Winston, after receiving veterinary treatment in RSPCA NSW care.

The dog continued to steadily gain weight in care, with an 100% increase in body weight in only four weeks. The dog’s anaemia resolved once he received adequate nutrition and with appropriate veterinary care and treatment.

“This is a matter that will stay with me forever,” said the officer in charge, Inspector Natalie.

“It was both shocking and deeply saddening to understand that a living, sentient being had been subjected to such neglect and disregard.”

In November 2023, the dog, now known as Winston, was successfully adopted by his forever family.

“We are lucky enough to receive regular updates from Winston’s new family. He is now living the life he deserves, in the best home imaginable,” added Inspector Natalie.

Images are available for download here. 

All charges brought under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Winston reunites with his rescuer, Inspector Natalie, in his new home.