CONVICTED (2019) | Christina Carney, born c. 1981, of Ottley Street, Fairfield, Liverpool L6 3AL – starved and neglected a young puppy who had to be put to sleep. Tank was brought to the vet in an emaciated state due to the neglect of his callous owner Christina Carney A six-month-old British bulldog named Tank had to be put down after horrific neglect by his owner, Christina Carney, left him with “every bone in his body” sticking out. Shocking pictures show the dog also suffered bite wounds to his right leg which was swollen and had scarring over his face and neck. Behind his left ear were visible wounds but behind his right ear was a severe wound which had ripped through the ear flap The dog’s condition was so poor that vets felt they had no option but to put him to sleep Sadly, Tank was unable to recover and three separate vets decided he should be put to sleep to end his suffering. Another of Carney’s pets – 18-month-old pug Bear – died while in her care and was said to be in a “very thin” state when she brought his body to experts to be disposed of. Vets got in touch with the RSPCA with worries about the welfare of Carney’s other animals. Inspector Claire Fisher was sent to investigate and went to see Tank at the vets where she found “every bone in his body” was protruding. Claire said: “Tank was in a very sorry state when I saw him, he was so thin with every bone visible he did not resemble a British bulldog at all – he was like a walking skeleton. “He had numerous injuries of various ages caused by being attacked by other dogs in Carney’s care and he appeared depressed, not like I would expect a puppy to act. “The vet felt that returning Tank to his home would put him in danger of attack again. “The body of Bear was also analysed and it was clear the dog was also very thin and had numerous ulcers in her eyes. Carney offered no explanation how or when the dog had died but for her young age she seemed in poor condition “It was known that Carney also had two more dogs at her home and we were concerned there was also a risk of injury of life to those so Merseyside Police were contacted and were able to seize the dogs and place them into the care of the RSPCA.” Tank had a severe wound on his right ear The police took two British bulldogs called Teddy and Roxy from Carney’s home and they are now in the care of the RSPCA where they have been rehabilitated and will be available for adoption soon. Carney pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences . In mitigation the court was told Carney had “difficult personal circumstances”. Sentencing: 12-month community order; ordered to pay £300 costs, a £100 fine and a £85 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping dogs and cats for just five years (expires July 2024). Liverpool Echo