CLARE BEAUMONT SENTENCED IN HALIFAX FOR ANIMAL WELFARE OFFENSE

Clare Beaumont, born on October 12, 1974, and residing at Hunter Hill Road, Mixenden, Halifax HX2 8SZ, was convicted in 2022 for failing to seek veterinary treatment for her dog’s skin condition.

Beaumont pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Beau, a Lhasa Apso-type dog, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The dog, characterized by a tan and white coat, was found heavily matted, infested with fleas, and suffering from alopecia and conjunctivitis. His skin across his trunk and limbs was red, inflamed, and painful. An RSPCA inspector observed him incessantly licking and biting himself due to discomfort. Additionally, Beau’s nails on all four paws were overgrown.

The court was informed that RSPCA inspectors visited Beaumont's home multiple times between August and October 2021, advising her to take Beau to the veterinarian. Beaumont claimed she had done so, but the charity was unable to find any evidence supporting these claims.

Eventually, Beaumont consented to Inspector Kris Walker transporting Beau to the vet. There, the dog’s hair and nails were trimmed, and he received treatment including antiparasitic medication, eye drops, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories.

However, subsequent examination revealed Beau had a tumor in his mouth that had spread to his jawbone, leading to the decision to humanely euthanize him to prevent further suffering.

RSPCA inspector Natalie Taylor, in her witness statement, recounted that during a visit on April 29, 2021, following a report, Beaumont claimed Beau had died two weeks earlier and was buried in her backyard. But later that day, during a phone call, she told the inspector that the dog was still alive. It was not until 12 days later that inspector Kris Walker was able to assess Beau’s condition.

Inspector Walker advised Beaumont to seek veterinary care and clean her yard, which was filled with feces. When he returned on August 31, Beaumont stated she had taken Beau to Vets4Pets, but no record of such a visit could be found. He again urged her to get urgent veterinary treatment for the dog’s matted coat, fleas, and other health issues.

On a further visit on October 28, Beaumont claimed she had taken Beau to the PDSA in Bradford. Nonetheless, she agreed to allow Beau to be taken to a vet with inspector Walker, who noted in his statement: "Beau was matted and he had fleas, conjunctivitis, and appeared to have a mouth issue. He was licking and biting himself continuously, and his skin was hot to the touch."

A veterinarian who examined Beau concluded he had been suffering for “at least some days and weeks” prior to the examination.

During mitigation, Beaumont expressed remorse and explained she was going through a difficult period at the time.

Following the case, Inspector Kris Walker commented: “We gave the defendant advice and she had multiple chances to take her dog to see a vet. She wasn’t frank with us and claimed she had done this when she hadn’t.

In the meantime, Beau was left in a dreadful state, matted and suffering from sore skin, alopecia, and eye issues.

He was signed over into our care, but sadly a tumor was found in his jawbone and the kindest course of action was to put him to sleep to end his suffering.”

The court sentenced Beaumont to a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation activity. She was also ordered to pay £695 in costs and victim surcharge, and was given a lifetime ban on keeping animals.