JOANNE PARKHURST SENTENCED IN COLCHESTER FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT

Joanne Parkhurst, born on April 28, 1973, of Berkley Close, High Woods, Colchester CO4, was convicted in 2019 for prolonged neglect of two Staffies, one of whom had to be immediately euthanised. Parkhurst was charged with and admitted to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after failing to take her poorly dogs, Fats and Boycie, to the vet for urgent treatment.

An RSPCA inspector visiting her home to check on the dogs' welfare found rubbish piled high in the garden. Lauren Bond, prosecuting, explained: “The inspector observed Fats to be quite underweight, with hair loss at the rear, scabs and red sores on his skin, long nails, large testicles hanging lower than usual, and discharge dripping from his mouth. “His teeth were rotten and a green gunk discharge was present, while the smell was overpowering. She said his testicles had been in that condition for six months.”

Parkhurst claimed she had called the RSPCA and asked for help, stating that the organisation had asked for £100, which she said she couldn’t afford. However, investigations confirmed that the RSPCA had not asked for any money and would always assist animals in need; there were no records of such calls.

Regarding Boycie, Bond noted: “He was in a slim body condition but was alert and responsive. There was fur missing from his rear end, and his skin appeared sore, red, and scabby. The defendant said he had been like that for six weeks.” A third dog, Sasha, was also present and appeared bright, alert, and responsive.

Parkhurst uploaded a photo of Boycie and Fats to her Facebook profile in May 2017. The vet who examined the dogs described Fats’ condition as the worst they had ever seen, noting a severe jawbone infection, skin disease, and an untreated tumour on his testicle. The smell was described as “horrendous,” and Fats’ body condition score was just two out of ten.

The veterinarian stated that Fats was euthanised on humane grounds with the defendant’s consent. The dog’s poor condition included a severe infection, skin issues, and a neglected tumour.

Boycie received treatment for skin diseases, with his skin described as “scabbing badly,” and his body condition rating improved to four out of ten. He has since recovered and remains in the care of the RSPCA.

As part of her sentence, Parkhurst was ordered to surrender Sasha and three cats to the RSPCA. She was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for a year, and was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she is banned from owning any animals for ten years, a ban set to expire in December 2029.