CONVICTED (2017) | Teresa ‘Tez’ Sharon Long aka Terri Brooks, born 29 April 1970, of St George’s Avenue, Yeovil BA21 – failed to get treatment for her West Highland terrier who was left with almost no fur on her body. Teresa ‘Tez’ Long The RSPCA found the Westie, called Spirit, in a pitiful state when Inspector Marie Griffiths visited Long’s home address in April 2017. The nine-year-old dog was suffering from a skin condition, later confirmed as demodectic mange, which had left her body almost entirely bald. She also had infected ears and overgrown claws. Long admitted one offence of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to investigate and treat the cause of Spirit’s skin condition. Westie Spirit before and after treatment Inspector Griffiths said: “When I visited the property I found Spirit in the house. The smell of her skin when I found her was disgusting. It was pungent and there was pus in her ears caused by an infection. “Her claws were overgrown and she had been scratching herself raw. The owner had put a jumper on her to try and stop her scratching, but if anything that just made the skin condition worse. “When I took her to the vet, they said it was the worst skin case she’d ever seen.” The court issued a deprivation order against Long and a new home for Spirit, who has made a strong recovery, has already been lined up by the RSPCA. “Generally, in cases like this where the skin has got so bad it never fully recovers, but she’s got so much fur now she looks like Tina Turner. “She’s a real little trooper. She was obviously suffering, but she had such a feisty attitude it was like she just decided to battle on regardless. “The sentence shows how series the court viewed the case. Every owner has a responsibility to their animals. Veterinary advice or attention should always be sought. Ignoring situations is not acceptable and could have serious consequences,” added Inspector Griffiths. Sentencing: 80 hours of unpaid work; ordered to pay £585. A five-year ban on keeping dogs (expired October 2022). SomersetLive
