Stevie and Cindy

“The dogs had body condition score of 1 out of 10 and felt skeletal to the touch under heavily matted fur. Only once they were both extensive groomed could we ascertain they were Poodles.” – RSPCA ACT Inspectorate. 

Stevie and Cindy were located in an unkept yard, and their breed was impossible to recognise. We intervened to give them a chance at a life worth living. 

In many cases, RSPCA ACT Inspectors would first focus on educating pet owners on how to provide better care for their animals when we follow up on cruelty complaints. Our goal is to support and guide, with removing an animal from a home only as a last resort or in urgent situations when the pet's welfare is at risk. Unfortunately, in the case of Stevie and Cindy, there was no time for education; Cindy and Stevie needed urgent help if they were to survive. 

Our Inspectors received information in October 2022 that a dog had been witnessed to have collapsed. Upon arrival, the Inspectors viewed the rear yard, seeing it to be heavily overgrown, with what appeared to be a small black dog sitting in the long grass. The dog was shaking and appeared not to have been groomed for some time, Inspectors could not see the dog’s eyes or even guess at what breed it was. After a short time of waiting a further dog was seen running through the long grass. 

After unsuccessful attempts to notify the owner, our Inspectors were able to gain entry to the premises and got a closer look. And it was not a moment too soon! Stevie and Cindy were transported to our RSPCA ACT vet clinic. 

The initial assessment was dire. Cindy weighed just 1.5kgs while Stevie weighed 2.6kgs. Healthy dogs of their age, size and breed would weigh more than double that! Both were emaciated and visibly weak.  

As our veterinarians carefully removed all the matted and tangled hair revealing not just the extent of the emaciation, scaly skin, sore joints, hazy eyes and dental damage, but also their breed; Cindy and Stevie were Toy Poodles!   

After a whole lot of tests, consultations and analysis, a medical plan was devised for these two sweethearts. 

They both received dental surgery with multiple rotten teeth getting removed. How awful to be starving but also to be in pain when (and if) the time came to eat. 

An animal shelter can be loud and unsettling for some animals who need to recover. Thanks to our foster caring community of volunteers and our donors who answer our call for help, we were able to save Stevie and Cindy.

After four weeks in our care, both poodles were regrowing hair on their tails and ears and maintaining a body weight of around 3kgs which is normal for their breed. They were going to be ok. 

We are pleased to report that not only are the two Poodles enjoying life, but after nearly two years of proceedings, the former owners of Stevie and Cindy were found guilty in August 2024. They were given a two-year ban from owning a pet in the ACT.