LINDA DEAN OF PUDSEY, LEEDS, SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE IN 2019

Linda Dean, born on 3 February 1971 and residing at Victoria Road, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 7SR, was convicted in 2019 for neglecting her border collie, Coda, allowing him to endure painful and infected skin growths.

Dean admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Coda, a male black and white border collie, during her appearance at Leeds Magistrates’ Court. She failed to provide adequate veterinary care over a two-month period in 2018 for a chronic skin condition.

RSPCA inspector Kris Walker commented on the case, saying: “Coda was in a lot of pain for a long period of time from a severe and obvious skin condition. He had cauliflower-like growths on his back where the fur was missing, and the growths were infected, sore and bleeding. Both ears were thickened and crusty, he had fleas and was underweight.”

The RSPCA responded when visiting Dean’s home on September 10, 2018. It was revealed that vets believed Coda’s suffering had begun as early as July 10, but it was likely ongoing for a longer period.

Inspector Walker explained: “Dean said in interview that Coda had started nibbling his back in April, and had started going bald in June. Dean’s cat had brought fleas home in August and because of this she had treated Coda with a flea spray and used a buster collar, which she said he had managed to get off. Coda desperately needed veterinary treatment, and once he received it, he began to recover.

“It's been a long road for this poor boy, but I’m really happy to say he is now almost recovered. His demeanour has completely changed; he’s gone from a despondent dog unwilling to socialize to a happy and very playful dog.”

During sentencing, the court heard that Dean had “a lot on her plate” with children and relatives she cared for. She apologized to the court and the RSPCA, expressing her love for Coda, who she had owned since he was a puppy in 2011. She acknowledged the likely disqualification but expressed hope that Coda could be rehomed to her mother and that she might be permitted to keep her cat.

The court sentenced her to a 12-month community order involving 200 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, she was ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £385. A deprivation order was granted for Coda and her cat, transferring ownership to the RSPCA. Dean is also subject to a lifetime ban on keeping animals.

(Information sourced from Telegraph and Argus)