A dog owner, who caused unnecessary suffering to her three unwell pets by not taking them to a veterinarian for treatment, was yesterday sentenced to 10 days' jail.

Chng Leng Khim, 43, who had also kept all her dogs without a valid licence, and disobeyed an Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) order to help in its investigations, was also fined $3,100.

She had pleaded guilty two weeks ago to five charges of animal cruelty, keeping a dog without a licence and failing to comply with an AVA order.

A count each of animal cruelty and keeping a dog without a licence were considered in sentencing.

Chng moved out of her rented Paya Lebar Crescent home in July 2013.

She left behind a bull mastiff and chow chow, which were found by the landlord two days later.

Both dogs were thin and unwell, infested with ticks and surrounded by urine and faeces. There was no food or water for them.

Her poodle was found near the home. It was traced back to her via a microchip, but attempts to contact her were unsuccessful.

The poodle was emaciated, malnourished and tick-infested. Its fur was severely matted and even bald in some areas. It also suffered from a severe urinary infection, among other ailments.

The chow chow and poodle were rehomed, but the bull mastiff had to be euthanised.

In July 2013, Chng acknowledged a letter requiring her to give a statement to the AVA, but she did not comply.

She was arrested on June 30 last year.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Yanying asked for at least two weeks' jail and a fine of $4,000.

She pointed out that in the last five years, the number of animal cruelty cases handled by the AVA had risen by more than 65 per cent.

Chng is out on bail of $10,000, pending an appeal.

For causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, she could have been jailed for 12 months and fined $10,000. For failing to comply with an AVA order, she could have been jailed for six months and fined $10,000. For keeping a dog above three months old without a licence, she could have been fined $5,000.