CONVICTED (2013) | Victoria Jill Sams, born 24 June 1977, and husband David John Sams, born c. 1974, of Dorlonco Villas, Meadowfield, Durham DH7 8RZ – neglected two dogs so badly they had to be put to sleep Vicky and David Sams locked their two dogs in squalid pens riddled with faeces RSPCA inspector Nick Jones discovered Rottweiler Kizzy and collie cross Ebby living in deplorable conditions at the couple’s home in December 2012. Both dogs were being held in an outdoor pen and kennel area, with no bedding and surrounded by faeces. The two dogs were emaciated and close to death. Sadly neither dog survived. Kevin Campbell, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said that inspectors found Kizzy in a ‘collapsed and almost rigid state’. She had a piece of bone wedged in her mouth which prevented her from eating and caused a tetanus infection. He said: ‘The dog was struggling to breathe; it would die without immediate vet’s attention.’ Ebby was so emaciated and riddled with arthritis she could barely stand. She later found to be suffering from an organ ailment known as Cushing’s disease. Mr Campbell said that Ebby ‘would have been in severe pain and had muscle wastage and arthritis. She should have been on pain relief long before the vet saw her. The dog would have died within a few days.’ A veterinary examination rated both dogs’ health at level one – the worst on a nine point scale. Kizzy was immediately put down and Ebby was put down a few days later with the Sams’ consent. Afterwards, Mr Jones said it was the most distressing incident he had dealt with in recent memory. Sentence: six-month community orders; £1060 each in vets’ fees, costs and charges. Banned from keeping any animals for life. Northern Echo Daily Mail Additional Information Until recently Vicky Sams had a popular YouTube channel under the name ‘Vicky Mouse’. Sams, who described herself as a Christian, used her channel to review products she had bought from budget retailers such as B&M. She was forced to close her account after followers discovered her animal cruelty conviction.