Woman banned over dog cruelty

A Broome woman has been banned from owning animals after her dog was left unfed, tied to a car and so weak, it could hardly stand.

Kay Sanmilliar Accarra Bamaga, 27, was found guilty of animal cruelty on July 18 and sentenced to two eight-month prison terms, suspended for 12 months and was banned from being in charge of animals for 20 years in Broome Magistrate's Court today.

She was also ordered to pay costs of almost $3000.

Shire of Broome rangers discovered the woman's four-year-old French Mastiff 'Braveheart' tied up and emaciated in her backyard in June last year.

The dog weighed 13kg less than the 40kg average for similar dogs and was suffering from infections and infestations including fleas and mites and had an ulcer.

The dog was later euthanised at Broome Vet Hospital after months of treatment.

In a statement, the RSPCA said vets believed the dog had been suffering for at least six months and his conditions were preventable.

The owner had paid $2000 for the dog as a puppy but claimed she did not have the money to pay for his care.

RSPCA chief inspector Amanda Swift said the dog suffered needlessly.

"If people genuinely cannot afford to look after their animals properly they should seek assistance from an animal welfare organisation such as SAFE or the RSPCA," Ms Swift said.

The woman also owned a second dog which will be rehomed.

The RSPCA says it is trying to get funding for a permanent base in Broome in response to calls from veterinary groups and the council.