Canberra pair banned from owning a pet for 10 years after emaciated dog found near death

Two Canberra people have been banned from owning a pet for 10 years, after their dog was found in an emaciated condition and near death.

Warning: This story contains an image of an animal that may distress some readers.

Jason Bell and Sarah Bolitho pleaded guilty to one count each of animal cruelty.

Bolitho became distressed during sentencing in the ACT Magistrates Court, particularly when the ban was discussed.

The dog, a large mixed-breed named Twitch, was found by a ranger who was called to Bolitho's house.

The evidence presented in court included images of the dog's emaciated body.

The dog was taken to the RSPCA where it was assessed as having a body condition of one out of nine, the worst possible score.

Court documents reveal Bolitho told the officer she and Bell shared the dog 50/50.

A vet who examined Twitch found he was suffering a urinary tract infection, spondylosis, and a mass which was possibly cancer.

The court heard that initially Bolitho said the dog had been losing weight over three months.

She told the officer she'd recently fed it a kilogram of mince and a big bowl of dry dog food.

Prosecutors told the court that was clearly false.

Court documents record that when the officer asked Bolitho why the dog hadn't been taken to a vet, or if there was a reason for the weight loss, she said the dog had not been getting enough wet food and she thought it might have cancer.

Bolitho then said the dog had been losing weight over the past six to 12 months.

The court heard she told the officer: “It deserved better and it was just placed on the back burner due to her having a lot going on and suffering from mental health.”

Both Bolitho and Bell have been given one-year good behaviour bonds, and sentenced to 30 hours of community service.

Twitch's condition worsened and he was euthanised with the consent of his owners.

RSPCA welcomes ruling

RSPCA ACT chief executive Michelle Robertson welcomed the ruling, saying she hoped it sent a clear message.

“Our pets are sentient beings and have thoughts, fears and desires but they need us to look after them,” she said.

“On this occasion poor Twitch was so severely emaciated he had practically no chance of survival. 

“To think what he must have felt being mistreated in this manner is horrific.”

She urged pet owners to seek help if their pets were unwell.