BOLTON WOMAN JAILED FOR STARVATION CRUELTY TO DOG
A woman from Bolton has received a 14-day jail sentence and a ten-year ban on owning animals following the discovery of her lurcher in a severely neglected condition.Sheila Seddon, aged 57 and residing at Skagen Court on School Hill in Bolton, was described by Magistrates as 'brutal and heartless' due to her treatment of Jasper, the dog involved.
A veterinarian who examined Jasper reported that the dog was among the most severe cases of avoidable suffering he had seen.
Authorities found Jasper in a Preston park, infested with fleas, covered in open wounds, and so emaciated that he was unable to stand without assistance.
Seddon, who previously managed a hotel in Preston, admitted to causing unnecessary pain and suffering.
She was mandated to pay £831 in compensation to the RSPCA, which provided medical care for Jasper following his rescue.
Prosecutor Miss Julie Fogerty told the court that Jasper was unclean, dehydrated, and only 12 kilograms in weight when found.
Veterinarian Andrew Hutchinson remarked, 'Without rescue, the dog would have likely died within a day or two.
The animal endured extreme unnecessary suffering, and this is among the worst cases I have encountered in my 17 years as a vet.' During the hearing, defense lawyer Miss Isobel Gray noted that Seddon felt remorseful about her role in Jasper's condition and had experienced harassment related to the case.
An appeal of her sentence has been filed with the Crown Court.
