LATOYAH STONES FROM YEOVIL FACES BAN AFTER STARVING DOG BOSTON

Latoyah Donna Stones, a mother of three from Hillcrest Road in Yeovil, has been found guilty of neglecting and causing unnecessary suffering to her pet dog, Boston. Born on February 24, 1992, Stones' case drew significant attention after her failure to care for her dog over a period of several months.

Between March and September 2019, Stones neglected her responsibility to ensure her dog’s well-being, leading to a severe deterioration in Boston’s health. The Dogue de Bordeaux, a breed known for its robust stature, was found to be in an extremely malnourished state when she was brought to Vets4Pets in Yeovil on September 22, 2019. Stones claimed at the time that she had discovered the dog as a stray, which she then took to the veterinary clinic for treatment.

At the time of her rescue, Boston weighed only 30 kilograms, a significant deviation from the typical healthy weight of 40 to 45 kilograms for her breed. Following her examination, the local authority’s dog warden transferred her to St Giles Animal Rescue, where she received care and attention. The incident prompted social media appeals seeking information about Boston’s owner, which eventually led to Stones being identified as the person responsible for her neglect.

Members of the public recognized Stones as Boston’s owner and provided her name during investigations. When questioned, Stones admitted her ownership of the dog. RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel, who led the investigation, described the findings: “The vet who examined Boston found her to be very thin, weighing just 30kg when a healthy dog of her breed would typically weigh between 40 to 45kg. The vet concluded that her poor condition was due to a failure to provide adequate food over a prolonged period.”

Inspector Daniel further explained, “There were no underlying health issues that could have caused her to be in such a state. It’s clear she suffered for several months, experiencing hunger and fatigue during that time.”

A photograph taken ten days after Boston was placed in the rescue center vividly illustrated her dire condition. Fortunately, with proper diet and care, Boston has now made a full recovery and has been rehomed to a loving family.

In sentencing, Stones was ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and she was also required to pay a total of £365 in costs and charges. Additionally, she received a five-year ban from owning or keeping dogs, a measure intended to prevent future neglect cases of this nature.

This case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting animals entrusted to one’s care. The incident was reported by the Somerset County Gazette, emphasizing the community’s concern over animal welfare in Yeovil.