MARK AND ALISON HAYCOCK FROM TIVERTON BANNED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT AFTER LEAVING ELDERLY DOG IN PAINFUL CONDITION
| Red Rose Database
Tiverton Animal Abuser
In a case that has drawn significant concern from animal welfare advocates, Mark and Alison Haycock, residents of Romans Way in Tiverton, have been found guilty of neglecting their elderly dog, Bella, a 13-year-old Sheltie/Shih-Tzu cross. The couple’s failure to provide necessary medical treatment for Bella’s severe skin condition has led to their being banned from owning animals until 2031.
Animal welfare authorities, led by RSPCA Inspector Charlotte Coggins, launched an investigation into the couple’s neglect after Bella was rescued from their home in March 2020. The inspector recounted her initial observations: “I entered the lounge, and the smell of the room was foul. This is where I initially saw a dog who I now know as Bella with hardly any fur curled up on the sofa. Bella was scratching a lot, and her skin appeared and smelled infected. Her nails were also very overgrown.”
Following the rescue, Bella was taken to a veterinary clinic where she was diagnosed with a chronic and severe skin disease, accompanied by infection and significant hair loss. The vet also identified open wounds over her shoulders caused by incessant scratching, as well as issues with her eyes and ears. Despite prior veterinary visits, Bella’s condition had worsened, and her owners had failed to seek further treatment.
Mrs. Haycock had previously taken Bella to a vet for her skin issues and was prescribed oral medications and topical treatments. However, she was last seen by a veterinarian in September 2019, and thereafter, no further medical attention was sought, despite the dog’s condition deteriorating. Inspector Coggins emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership: “A reasonable owner would present the dog, or at least contact the surgery if the dog had failed to improve as a result of any prescribed treatment. It is the failure to follow-up on the initial treatment, which has resulted in her sadly suffering unacceptably.”
She further urged pet owners to seek veterinary care promptly and highlighted available support options: “If people are struggling to cover the costs, there are a number of charities which provide help for veterinary care for pet owners in genuine financial difficulties. People can also work with their vet to spread the cost of treatment. Pets depend entirely on their owners to meet their needs and ensure their safety and health. Owning an animal is a privilege, and providing proper veterinary care is a fundamental part of that responsibility. It’s heartbreaking that in this case, that duty was not fulfilled.”
The court acknowledged that the neglect stemmed from well-meaning but ultimately incompetent care, and both Mark and Alison Haycock expressed remorse for their actions. The judge sentenced Alison Haycock to a three-year conditional discharge and Mark Haycock to a two-year conditional discharge. Additionally, both were ordered to pay £196 in costs and charges. A significant aspect of the ruling was the imposition of a ten-year ban on owning animals, which will expire in January 2031.
Since her rescue, Bella has undergone extensive treatment and has shown remarkable improvement under the care of the RSPCA’s animal care team. The charity has announced that Bella will soon be available for rehoming, offering her a chance at a loving and caring new family. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the critical role of veterinary intervention in safeguarding animal welfare.
Animal welfare authorities, led by RSPCA Inspector Charlotte Coggins, launched an investigation into the couple’s neglect after Bella was rescued from their home in March 2020. The inspector recounted her initial observations: “I entered the lounge, and the smell of the room was foul. This is where I initially saw a dog who I now know as Bella with hardly any fur curled up on the sofa. Bella was scratching a lot, and her skin appeared and smelled infected. Her nails were also very overgrown.”
Following the rescue, Bella was taken to a veterinary clinic where she was diagnosed with a chronic and severe skin disease, accompanied by infection and significant hair loss. The vet also identified open wounds over her shoulders caused by incessant scratching, as well as issues with her eyes and ears. Despite prior veterinary visits, Bella’s condition had worsened, and her owners had failed to seek further treatment.
Mrs. Haycock had previously taken Bella to a vet for her skin issues and was prescribed oral medications and topical treatments. However, she was last seen by a veterinarian in September 2019, and thereafter, no further medical attention was sought, despite the dog’s condition deteriorating. Inspector Coggins emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership: “A reasonable owner would present the dog, or at least contact the surgery if the dog had failed to improve as a result of any prescribed treatment. It is the failure to follow-up on the initial treatment, which has resulted in her sadly suffering unacceptably.”
She further urged pet owners to seek veterinary care promptly and highlighted available support options: “If people are struggling to cover the costs, there are a number of charities which provide help for veterinary care for pet owners in genuine financial difficulties. People can also work with their vet to spread the cost of treatment. Pets depend entirely on their owners to meet their needs and ensure their safety and health. Owning an animal is a privilege, and providing proper veterinary care is a fundamental part of that responsibility. It’s heartbreaking that in this case, that duty was not fulfilled.”
The court acknowledged that the neglect stemmed from well-meaning but ultimately incompetent care, and both Mark and Alison Haycock expressed remorse for their actions. The judge sentenced Alison Haycock to a three-year conditional discharge and Mark Haycock to a two-year conditional discharge. Additionally, both were ordered to pay £196 in costs and charges. A significant aspect of the ruling was the imposition of a ten-year ban on owning animals, which will expire in January 2031.
Since her rescue, Bella has undergone extensive treatment and has shown remarkable improvement under the care of the RSPCA’s animal care team. The charity has announced that Bella will soon be available for rehoming, offering her a chance at a loving and caring new family. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the critical role of veterinary intervention in safeguarding animal welfare.