CHARLENE GRANT FROM MITCHAM, LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON, CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG HERA

In a heartbreaking case of animal neglect, Charlene Grant, a resident of Yorkshire Road in Mitcham within the London Borough of Merton, was convicted in 2023 for failing to provide proper care to her elderly pet dog, Hera. The case drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities after a series of disturbing discoveries at her residence.

Grant, who is also the director of Judah Facilities Management, admitted to neglecting her dog, a tan Mastiff named Hera, by not seeking veterinary treatment despite her evident suffering. Hera was suffering from severe health issues, including swollen and infected mammary glands, as well as significant swelling in her legs. The neglect was so severe that the dog was left to endure pain and discomfort for an extended period.

The investigation was initiated after a concerned member of the public reported the condition of Hera, prompting RSPCA inspector Natalie Kitchin to visit Grant’s home in March 2022. During her visit, Inspector Kitchin observed a visibly emaciated dog with obvious signs of distress. Hera was extremely thin, with her hips, ribs, and spine clearly visible through her skin. The inspector noted a large, pendulous lump hanging between Hera’s hind legs and observed that her right hind leg was swollen and painful to the touch.

In her official statement, Inspector Kitchin described her findings: “Hera was very thin. Her hips, ribs, and spine were easily seen. She had a pendulous lump hanging between her rear legs and her right hind leg appeared to be swollen.” When questioned about Hera’s veterinary history, Grant admitted that the dog had not been seen by a vet for over a year. She explained that there was confusion over who was responsible for Hera’s care, with Grant claiming she believed she could not take the dog to a veterinarian because the microchip was not registered in her name.

Inspector Kitchin emphasized the legal responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, stating, “I told her this was unacceptable and that she was legally responsible for ensuring that an animal in her care was not suffering. If she had taken Hera to any vet, given her condition, it is unlikely they would have turned her away.”

Following the inspection, Hera was surrendered to the RSPCA and transported to the charity’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital for urgent treatment. Veterinarians conducted a thorough examination and confirmed the severity of Hera’s condition. The dog was found to have multiple masses on her mammary glands, a severely swollen and pus-filled right hind leg, thickened elbows, advanced arthritis, and enlarged lymph nodes. The veterinary team estimated that Hera had been suffering for at least several months, if not longer.

Given her advanced state of suffering and the prognosis, the decision was made that the most compassionate course of action was to humanely euthanize Hera. Inspector Kitchin expressed her sorrow over the case, stating, “This was a tragic case and simply shouldn’t have happened. The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to care for their pets to seek help rather than neglect them and leave them to suffer.”

In the court proceedings, Charlene Grant was sentenced to a five-year ban on owning any animals, a restriction that will remain in effect until April 2028. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for vigilance in safeguarding animal welfare within the community of Mitcham and the broader London Borough of Merton.