The inspector removed the dog from the property and took her to a vet for examination. The vet reported Bella was about 22 per cent below the expected weight of a normal, healthy dog of similar age, type and gender, and confirmed the prolapses.
The vet concluded the dog was suffering distress through starvation.
"I have seen the photographs and am in no doubt that this poor dog was suffering.
"Bella was then put out of her misery. She was put down," Judge Hastings said.
Hiha's lawyer, Jock Blathwayt, had said Hiha took the dog to the vet for treatment of the prolapses but had difficulty with the cost involved and did not pay.
The next time Hiha took Bella to the vet, the vet is said to have refused to treat the animal because Hiha had not paid the first time.
The judge said an aggravating factor of Hiha's offending was that the dog had suffered serious harm: "She had not been fed; she was, as the vet said, starving."
Hiha's offending was further aggravated by her responsibility for an animal that depended on her for its health and wellbeing.
"It is the mark of a civilised society that we look after animals and other vulnerable creatures," Judge Hastings said.
He gave her credit for her early guilty plea, remorse and contribution to the community as a member of the breakfast club of an adult-learning association, kindergarten relief work and training as a Maori warden.
Judge Hastings sentenced Hiha to 300 hours' community work, ordered her to make reparation of $66.60 to the SPCA to cover veterinary costs, and $500 for solicitor's costs, and disqualified her from owning a companion animal for 10 years.
