An 11-year-old Maltese Shitzu mix named Emma was seized from her owner in Western Australia after being neglected for at least six months. The neglected dog was found covered in mats, which RSPCA Western Australia inspectors stated were causing her pain. Despite being previously instructed to get Emma groomed, the owner did not do so. This caused Emma to develop a severely matted coat that had prickly plant seeds embedded in it. Photos taken at the time of her rescue show the seeds entangled in her fur.

Emma was seized after reports of animal abuse were made on her behalf. Not only did she have a severely matted coat, but she also needed extensive dental work. After veterinarians examined Emma, they found that she needed ten tooth extractions. These were necessary due to dental disease. The teeth would also have caused the neglected dog distress and pain. 

Failure to adequately groom your pet can lead to a matted coat which can pull on their skin, trap foreign objects, and lead to skin infections. It is important to ensure that you can meet grooming needs before adopting dogs like Maltese. Luckily for Emma, someone stepped in on her behalf and she was able to receive the care she needed. 

Emma’s previous owner was found guilty of animal neglect charges. The court found that she had caused Emma harm that could have been reasonably prevented. She was made to pay a fine and is prohibited from owning a pet for five years. Emma is now living happily in foster care, where she is recovering well.

While rescuers were able to help this neglected dog, sadly this is not always the case. Sign this petition to Ban Animal Abusers From Owning Pets!

Speak Up Tee By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

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