DARLINGTON COUPLE LEFT DOG 'SEVERELY UNDERWEIGHT AND SUFFERING' AND BANNED FOR FIVE YEARS
Shaun Winter, 42, and Louise Turnbull, 38, were sentenced at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on October 22 after neglecting their nine-year-old dog, Tia.Tia was found in February by the RSPCA weighing just 16.45 kg, having suffered for 'at least a month'.
Winter, of Beaumont Hill, and Turnbull, of Poppy Close, had previously pleaded guilty to one offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The court heard how RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson visited Turnbull's address on February 6 following concerns about the welfare of a dog.
Tia was found in an "extremely poor body condition", with ribs and pelvic bones protruding through her skin.
RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson said: “I asked Ms Turnbull to get Tia on her feet and I ran my hands over her.
"I could feel every bone, including her skull, shoulders and spine and they felt spiky to the touch.
She had obvious discharge matted into the hair all over her head and ears and I saw her shaking her head a lot.” Turnbull informed the inspector that Tia had been poisoned and had not gained weight since.
On the same day, Tia was examined by a vet who confirmed she was suffering.
The vet's court evidence stated: "Tia weighed 16.45 kgs and was given a body condition score of 2/9.
She had severe bilateral ear discharge." The vet said Tia's unnecessary suffering was due to the failure of Winter and Turnbull to investigate her poor body condition and provide veterinary treatment for her severe ear infection, which would have been ongoing for at least a month.
Tia reacted by pulling her head away and crying when the vet touched her ears.
She was given antibiotics and started on a re-feeding plan.
By April 15, Tia had reached a normal weight of 31.9 kg, although her ears continued to be monitored for flare-ups.
Winter was ordered to carry out a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £114.
Turnbull received a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 80 hours of unpaid work.
She was also ordered to pay costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £114.
In mitigation, the court was told they were both genuinely remorseful and had mental health and family issues.
Inspector Wilson added: "Ear infections are painful and any competent pet owner would have recognised their dog’s distress by the itching and head shaking.
It's been a fairly lengthy process to get Tia well again but she’s made really good progress after everything she has been through." Tia remains in RSPCA care and will be rehomed soon.
