LAVINGTON woman Kathryn Lynette Betts is banned from having any more than two desexed dogs for the next five years.
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The order was made in Albury Local Court by magistrate Tony Murray after an RSPCA prosecution on two charges of being in charge of an animal and failing to provide veterinary treatment.
Betts, 69, of Dunnolley Court, did not attend court and was fined $250 on each charge with half going to the RSPCA.
“The lady quite clearly has a passion for animals,” Mr Murray said.
But he said the facts indicated she was unable to properly look after them.
RSPCA inspector Lionel Smith went to her home about 12.40pm on August 22 last year following a complaint.
He asked how many dogs Betts had and she told him 10: five Chihuahuas and five Maltese.
One of the dogs, which was about two years old, had a broken leg, and was in her bedroom.
There was a heavy pungent smell of dog faeces and dog urine was evident throughout the unit.
The floor was soiled with dog faeces and there were patches of urine.
Most of the dogs appeared filthy and some were seen vigorously scratching themselves.
A small tan and white Chihuahua had cloth held with sticky tape attached on its back right leg.
“Yes, it’s completely broken. I have wrapped it up,” Betts said.
“It happened about three days ago. I had no money to take it to the vet.”
Inspector Smith said the dog looked frightened and avoided putting any weight on its leg when put on the floor.
He returned four days later and discovered there were 12 dogs and not 10 as previously thought.
Betts voluntarily surrendered 10 of the dogs, with one being put down and the other nine rehoused.
All the surrendered dogs had severe flea infestations and Betts was given flea treatment for the remaining two dogs.
Mr Murray was told the two dogs remaining with Betts have been desexed.