A Melbourne woman has narrowly escaped jail after neglecting her German Shepherd because she couldn't afford medical care.
RSPCA Victoria inspectors visited the Kew property in October 2020 and found four-year-old Bobby in an appalling condition.
The dog was acutely emaciated, with his hips, ribs and spinal bones easily seen through his thick coat.
He was covered in flies, was panting heavily and had multiple wounds all over his body.
His owner was fined $32,000 in an online sitting of the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday.
She said the dog had been in bad condition for two months, but she had not sought vet treatment because she didn't have the financial means.
She surrendered Bobby to the RSPCA where he was given pain medication and emergency treatment to his numerous large, open, infected wounds and ulcerative lesions.
The worst was a lesion over his left hip that was so severe it extended through fat and muscle, creating a gaping wound over the joint.
Because of his poor prognosis, a decision was made to euthanase him.
RSPCA Victoria's Chief Inspector Michael Stagg said the pain experienced by Bobby was unacceptable and no animal should be left to suffer in this manner.
"This was a young dog who had been subject to abject neglect that has ultimately resulted in his death," Mr Stagg said.
"There is never any excuse for animal neglect."
His owner has been banned from owning a dog for five years.
