Two fined, banned from keeping dogs after malnourished animal seized

A woman and a man have been fined and banned from keeping dogs for five years after RSPCA inspectors found them with a severely undernourished dog in their care. The dog, Lexi, was taken away and has since been nursed back to health and rehomed. The RSPCA said it welcomes the disqualification orders, which it said would "help protect animals from future neglect". Two people have been disqualified from owning dogs after a severely emaciated animal was rescued by RSPCA inspectors in Tasmania and nursed back to health. WARNING: This story contains an image that may distress some viewers. Inspectors attended a property in the state's south after concerns were reported for the welfare of a dog named Lexi. Lexi was found in an "extremely emaciated condition, with a body condition score of approximately 0.5 out of 5", the RSPCA said in a statement. Lexi was "immediately seized and transported for urgent veterinary treatment," the RSPCA said, adding the dog had "since made a full recovery and has been successfully rehomed". The matter was heard before Hobart Magistrates Court in separate proceedings involving co-accused Susan Bester and Jake Elliot. Bester was fined $500, ordered to pay approximately $1,200 in costs to RSPCA, and disqualified from owning or having custody of any dogs for a period of five years. Elliot initially pleaded not guilty but subsequently entered a plea of guilty to the offence of animal cruelty. He had a conviction recorded, was fined $500 and disqualified from having custody of any dog for a period of five years. The RSPCA welcomed the disqualification orders, which it said would "help protect animals from future neglect".