22-07-2025
Canberra woman banned from owning pet for neglecting her dog so badly it died
Warning: This story contains a graphic image and details of animal cruelty that may distress some readers.
A Canberra woman has been given a five-month suspended sentence and banned from owning a pet, after her dog Chisel was found near death in her backyard last year.
Jaye Kneller, 39, pleaded guilty to aggravated cruelty to an animal causing death in the ACT Magistrates Court.
The court heard when rangers found the dog it was barely alive — badly emaciated, dehydrated, and had multiple maggot infestations, including in its eyes.
A vet later euthanised the dog.
Magistrate Amy Begley said the dog had died of neglect, but it wasn't a positive act of violence.
"This was cruelty by omission," Magistrate Begley said.
One report said Kneller said the dog was getting water and food on a daily basis.
But Magistrate Begley said that was inconsistent with the report of the vet.
Kneller's lawyer told the court the incident had coincided with an episode of poor health for her client.
She also pointed to a letter Kneller wrote to the court expressing regret about losing the dog.
Prosecutor Liam Taylor agreed the letter showed she was sorry.
"There is significant regret in the letter, but that is not the point," Mr Taylor said.
Mr Taylor pointed to a pre-sentence report interview where Kneller said she had been unaware of how sick the dog was, even though her friend had pointed it out to her.
Magistrate Begley said she accepted Kneller had shown remorse, but the dog had been left to an "extended, painful and awful death".
Kneller was sentenced to five months' jail, but that was wholly suspended.
She will also serve an 18-month good behaviour order, and is now banned from owning a pet.
