AMount Gambier woman has avoided jail time after being convicted of starving two pet dogs.

The woman, 28-year-old Taylor Askew, pleaded guilty to two counts of ill-treatment of an animal in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court last week.

Ms Askew was given a 12-month good behaviour bond and banned from owning or having animals in her care again until further notice.

She was also ordered to cover $497 in veterinary costs to the RSPCA and $358 in legal fees.

King, a light brown Staffordshire terrier cross, and Rex, a darker brown Staffordshire terrier cross, were found starving at Ms Askew’s home in September last year.

The RSPCA issued Ms Askew with animal welfare notices which required her to feed the dogs three times a day to improve their body condition before they were taken out of her care.

A Mount Gambier veterinarian deemed their body condition one out of nine, the lowest score possible.

King weighed 9kg, whose optimal weight was 19kg, and Rex weighed 16kg, when his optimal weight was 23kg.

The dogs were surrendered to the RSPCA and King was re-homed in January, however Rex had to be euthanised due to his dangerous behaviour.