LEEDS COUPLE BANNED FROM OWNING PETS AFTER ANIMAL NEGLECT SCANDAL
The offender, Melanie Charlton, born in 1972, and her partner Bobby Charlton, born in 1969, residing at 8 Fairfield Street, Bramley, Leeds, were convicted of neglecting their dog Teddy.The RSPCA found Teddy with severe untreated mange, bleeding and inflamed skin, crusty eyes, and wearing multiple items of clothing including a coat, jumper, and a cone collar.
Animal Rescue Officer Connie Brown reported that upon arrival, Teddy appeared subdued, with overgrown nails and extensive hair loss all over his body except the head.
The skin was thickened and hot to touch, with signs of bleeding and crusty eyes, indicating long-term suffering.
Melanie Charlton admitted to neglecting veterinary treatment, claiming she was unaware of the mange condition, mistaking it for fleas, despite Teddy’s distress.
The couple signed Teddy over into the care of the RSPCA for urgent veterinary treatment at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where a vet confirmed that Teddy was suffering from sarcoptic mange for at least four weeks, likely longer.
Teddy received medication, baths, and treatment for mites, and responded well.
He was transferred to the Halifax rehoming centre and was successfully adopted on June 15, having made a complete recovery.
The court found that Melanie and Bobby Charlton had breached the Animal Welfare Act by failing to seek veterinary help, despite being aware of Teddy’s condition.
They admitted to the charges, citing a lack of knowledge about mange and misunderstanding it as fleas.
They were sentenced to a fine of £60 each, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £24, costs of £200, and were imposed a ten-year ban on owning animals, which can be appealed after five years, expiring in June 2035.
The case highlights the importance of timely veterinary intervention and responsible pet ownership, with the RSPCA inspector emphasizing that Teddy’s suffering could have been alleviated had help been sought earlier.
