CONVICTED (2024) | Corrine Angela Clarkson, born 26 September 1982, of 211 Fox Street, Burngreave, Sheffield S3 9HD and Delroy Elliott, born 17 December1981, of Verdon Street, Burngreave, Sheffield S3 9QJ – left their elderly Great Dane dog in severe pain and suffering for months. Clarkson and Elliott pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act relating to their 11-year-old dog, Sky. Elderly Great Dane Sky was severely malnourished and had been neglected for months. The RSPCA were contacted by a local dog warden who had picked Sky up after she was found straying and was concerned about her poor condition. In a written statement to the court RSPCA Inspector Leanne Booth said that Sky was emaciated, her ribs, hips and spine were visible, her front right leg was swollen, her tail was damaged at the tip and her coat was “dirty and smelly”. Finding the dog unresponsive the inspector said that when she stroked Sky “she lifted her head for a second then laid back down”. Inspector Booth contacted Elliott by phone and explained she was calling about Sky, he said “What about her?” When told that she was in RSPCA care Elliott could be heard shouting “Corrine, have you seen Sky today?” A female voice could be heard saying “yes this morning – well I heard her’.” The court heard that Inspector Booth spoke to Clarkson on the phone, who said she had seen Sky at 3pm the day before when she went to feed her but she wouldn’t eat. On the phone to the inspector, Clarkson described Sky as a “community dog” who often “takes herself to the park” and was known to neighbours. Inspector Booth added that neither Clarkson or Elliott were aware Sky wasn’t in her kennel. Sky was taken to a vets by Inspector Booth, who said, in her statement: “She tried to lay down but couldn’t stay in one position for more than a few seconds, “Sky appeared very uncomfortable, her back was arched and she was very unsteady on her feet wobbling and falling over when trying to walk, sloppy faeces was leaking from her and she did not appear to be aware of it.” Sky pictured in healthier times. Following a clinical examination, the vet made the decision to put Sky to sleep to prevent further suffering. A statement from the vet, which was presented in court, said: “I believe Sky was suffering for weeks, months, or possibly longer. This could be due to malnutrition, inadequate volume of food or inappropriate diet. “The owners have failed to provide Sky with veterinary care and allowed her to suffer for a period of time.” Despite their heartless disregard for their dog’s welfare, the couple only received a five-year ban on keeping animals. During the pair’s sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court, the District Judge said: “Sky was in severe pain. Sky was deteriorating and you did not do anything to help or did not do anything about it. The photos show the condition of Sky and her truly dreadful state.” In mitigation, the court were told Clarkson and Elliott accepted they “could have done more” to help Sky. Sentencing | eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; £200 costs each. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires August 2029). The Star