DARLINGTON COUPLE LEFT DOG 'SEVERELY UNDERWEIGHT AND SUFFERING'
Shaun Winter, 42, and Louise Turnbull, 38, were sentenced at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on October 22 after neglecting their nine-year-old dog, Tia.Tia was found in February by the RSPCA weighing just 16.45 kg, having suffered for 'at least a month'.
Winter, of Beaumont Hill, and Turnbull, of Poppy Close, had previously pleaded guilty to one offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The court heard how RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson visited Turnbull's address on February 6 following concerns about the welfare of a dog.
Tia was found in an "extremely poor body condition," with ribs and pelvic bones protruding through her skin.
RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson said: “I asked Ms Turnbull to get Tia on her feet and I ran my hands over her.
I could feel every bone, including her skull, shoulders and spine and they felt spiky to the touch.
She had obvious discharge matted into the hair all over her head and ears and I saw her shaking her head a lot.” The vet confirmed the dog was suffering and said: "Tia weighed 16.45 kgs and was given a body condition score of 2/9.
She had severe bilateral ear discharge." Tia is recovering and will be looking for a new loving home soon.
The court sentenced Winter to a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered him to pay £300 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Turnbull received a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 80 hours of unpaid work, along with £300 costs and a £114 surcharge.
The court was told they are both genuinely remorseful and have mental health and family issues.
Inspector Wilson emphasized the importance of recognizing ear infections in pets, saying: “Ear infections are painful and any competent pet owner would have recognised their dog’s distress by the itching and head shaking.
It’s been a fairly lengthy process to get Tia well again but she’s made really good progress after everything she has been through.” Tia remains in RSPCA care and will be rehomed soon.
