ASHLEY COOPER AND KATY GORDON FROM SHEFFIELD CONVICTED FOR NEGLECTING DOG SASHASKIN CONDITION

In a serious case of animal neglect, Ashley Cooper, born around 1967, and Katy Gordon, born approximately in 1985, both residents of Ronksley Road, Shiregreen, Sheffield S5 0HF, faced legal action after failing to provide proper care for their dog, Sasha. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in Sheffield.

The RSPCA first became involved with Sasha in 2016, after receiving reports about her deteriorating health and poor skin condition. The organization reached out to Cooper and Gordon, who initially responded positively by taking Sasha to a veterinarian. This early intervention resulted in some improvement in her condition, offering a glimmer of hope that her health could be restored with proper care.

However, the situation took a troubling turn in September 2018 when the RSPCA was contacted once again regarding Sasha’s welfare. Upon inspection, it was discovered that her condition had worsened significantly. Prosecutor Andy Cash described her state as being extremely dire: she was found to be severely underweight, and her skin was in a terrible state, described as “pustulating,” indicating severe infection and neglect. Mr. Cash emphasized that Sasha had been suffering for a considerable period, which raised serious concerns about the owners’ neglect.

In a notable development, Mr. Cooper immediately signed over ownership of Sasha to the RSPCA, acknowledging the severity of her condition. Thanks to proper veterinary care, Sasha was able to recover fully, a testament to the importance of responsible pet ownership and timely intervention.

During police interviews, both Ashley Cooper and Katy Gordon admitted their responsibility for Sasha’s neglect. They explained that their inability to afford veterinary treatment led them to attempt to treat her skin condition with over-the-counter products they had purchased themselves. Prosecutor Cash pointed out that there were numerous alternatives available to them for veterinary care, implying that their failure to seek proper treatment was a conscious choice that resulted in Sasha’s suffering.

In addition to Sasha, the couple owned cats and a Chihuahua. The investigation revealed that their cats were infested with fleas, but there was no evidence to suggest that the cats had been mistreated or neglected. As part of the court’s ruling, Prosecutor Cash requested that Cooper and Gordon be banned from owning dogs for a period of five years, which would allow them to retain ownership of their cats and Chihuahua. The court noted that the ban would expire in December 2023.

Both defendants appeared in court without legal representation. When asked if they wished to convey any message to the magistrates, Katy Gordon expressed remorse, saying, “I’m really, really sorry.” Similarly, Ashley Cooper stated, “I’m really, really sorry about what’s happened to Sasha. We have a disabled daughter, and the Chihuahua is hers. She suffers from learning difficulties, and it’s going to be hard for her to understand where the dog has gone.”

In sentencing, Katy Gordon was ordered to complete 40 hours of unpaid work and participate in a 15-day rehabilitation activity. Ashley Cooper received a sentence of 60 hours of unpaid work. Both were also required to pay costs of £185 each. The court further imposed a five-year ban on owning dogs, which was set to expire in December 2023, reaffirming the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in Sheffield.