A dog owner has been fined $3,500 and banned from owning a pet for five years after letting her Maltese Shih-tzu suffer painful and severe matting for at least six months.

Francine Janell Parfitt, 43, faced Joondalup Magistrates Court on Friday, where she was found guilty of animal neglect charges.

The court heard RSCPA Western Australia inspectors first attended Parfitt’s home at Butler, north-west Perth on January 25 after reports of animal abuse.

Inspectors found the 11-year-old Maltese Shih-tzu named Emma in a ‘poor condition’ with severley dreaded hair with prickles strewn throughout its coat.

The court heard that Parfitt failed to comply with instructions to get Emma groomed, despite being told by inspectors the matting was causing the dog pain.

RSPCA WA later returned to the home with a warrant and seized Emma due to suspected animal cruelty.

A dog owner has been found guilty of animal cruelty charges after RSPCA WA inspectors found 11-year-old Maltese Shih-tzu, Emma (pictured), with painful matting

Veterinarians at RSPCA WA’s Animal Care Centre found Emma was suffering from a dental disease, leading to 10 tooth extractions.

They also found a grass seed embedded in her ear on top of her painful matting.

Today, Emma is much healthier and happier pooch as she continues to recover in foster care.

The RSPCA shared Emma’s story in a plea to dog owners.

‘A matted coat can quickly become a welfare concern. It will pull on your dog’s skin, restrict their movement, and can lead to terrible eye, ear, and skin infections,’ RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said.

‘Regular grooming is a cost and time commitment that owners need to factor in before they take on breeds like poodles and Maltese-crosses.’

Emma (pictured recently)  is now recovering and living happily in foster care

Emma the Maltese Shih-tzu was in a ‘poor condition’ with severely dreaded hair when she was seized from her owners by the RSPCA

‘If you’re in a situation where you can no longer care for your pet, reach out to friends, family, or a rescue group as soon as possible.

‘It’s never OK to ignore your pet’s pain or discomfort.’

Parfitt was sentenced under sections 19(1) and 19(3)(h) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The court found Emma had suffered harm which could have been prevented had reasonable steps been taken.

Magistrate De Maio said during sentencing Emma had been ‘neglected in the most cruel way’, during sentencing.

Parfitt was also ordered to pay $720.80 in court costs to RSPCA WA on top of the $3,500 fine.

In the six months between inspections from RSPCA WA, the owner had done nothing to groom Emma and unknot of its dreads