CONVICTED (2024) | Claire Mitchell, born 4 September 1973, of First Avenue, Teignmouth – failed to treat a lurcher with a skin condition so severe that he was left almost bald. Mitchell pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. The offence stated that between May 26, 2022 and July 7, 2022 Mitchell caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a male lurcher called Thor, by a failure to ensure he was provided with timely and appropriate veterinary care for his hair loss and/or skin condition. RSPCA rescuers were contacted with concerns about Thor, who was suffering from a skin condition that had left him almost bald with sore red skin. Mitchell failed to attend veterinary appointments that had been made for her and continued to leave Thor in a suffering state. She also ignored return visits from RSPCA officers following up on dog’s welfare. Thor pictured in healthier times. Source Claire Mitchell/Facebook Thor went on to make a full recovery in RSPCA care. Sentencing | 160 hours of unpaid work and 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days; £126 costs and £114 victim surcharge. Seven-year ban on keeping dogs (expires March 2031). DevonLive