CONVICTED (2021) | Natasha Ivy Jolly, born 29 December 1990, of 105 Ribble Road, Blackpool FY1 4AA – locked her dog in a dark stairs cupboard to starve to death Natasha Jolly Natasha Jolly, who has links to Preston, Blackburn, Clitheroe and Leigh in Wigan, was disqualified from keeping animals for life after she shut her dog in an understairs cupboard and left her to die. The RSPCA said a neighbour who was concerned about the smell coming from the flat found the female tan coloured terrier type dog, whose name was not known, deceased and covered by a sheet. The unnamed female tan terrier was found dead covered by a sheet at Jolly’s previous address in Grasmere Road, Blackpool The floor of the cupboard was covered in old dog faeces and there was no natural light or any form of appropriate bedding. The dog was in an emaciated state with all of her bones visible and protruding. Inspector Will Lamping, who led the investigation for the animal welfare charity, took the dog’s body to a veterinary surgeon to be examined. The vet found no evidence of underlying disease conditions suggesting she died of starvation. The post mortem revealed that the dog’s stomach contained faeces and plastic clothing tags, suggesting that she was so hungry she was eating anything she could find. The vet confirmed the dog would have suffered for a number of months. The court heard how a witness who found the dog had been affected by their tragic discovery. They said: “This whole incident has left me shocked and disgusted. “I can’t imagine how this poor dog felt starving to death. ” I just can’t seem to get it out of my head”. In passing sentence, magistrates commented: “We found this case quite distressing, involving a prolonged and deliberate act resulting in a dog starved to death”. Inspector Lamping said: “This was a truly shocking case to investigate. It is difficult to think of the suffering that this dog went through as she laid hungry and alone in a tiny cupboard with no light until her death. “I would urge anyone who ever finds themselves in a situation where they are struggling to feed or care for their animal, to call the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999 and we will always do our best to get help to the animal in need.” Sentencing: 14 weeks in custody, suspended for two years; 30-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement; £150 costs. Lifetime disqualification order (but can appeal after 10 years). LancashireLive Blackpool Gazette