Couple Banned From Keeping Animals For Five Years; Inspector Has ‘Never Seen’ Dog With Worse Skin
A Merthyr couple have been banned from keeping animals for five years after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, with an RSPCA inspector having “never seen” poorer skin condition on an animal.
Michelle Beryl Williams (D.o.B 17/11/1974) and Lee Duane Williams (D.o.B 10/08/1968), of Hillcrest, Merthyr Tydfil were sentenced at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court on 26 October, after pleading guilty to failing to provide veterinary care for the red cross bred Collie-type dog.
The dog, named Diesel, was in urgent need of veterinary care. He was suffering with a flea allergy, dermatitis, secondary infection and ear infection. The couple’s failure to act led the dog to suffer unnecessarily.
In addition to a five-year ban on keeping animals, each was given a 12-month community order with 140 hours unpaid work. Each defendant was fined £300, plus a £85 victim surcharge.
In July, the RSPCA attended the Merthyr property to find the dog with extensive fur loss, overgrown nails and fleas. The dog’s skin was hot to touch, whilst the overgrown nails were the “longest” the RSPCA inspector had seen. At a local ve
ts, it was also found that the dog had a painful ear condition.
Diesel faces a long road to full recovery, but is thankfully doing well with foster carers and making good progress.
RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper said:
“I have never seen a dog with skin in such poor condition as this dog. It’s difficult to imagine the suffering this must have caused poor Diesel. Its nails were also horribly overgrown, and the longest I have seen in my career as an RSPCA inspector.
“The owners failed to address the conditions affecting the dog. This case highlights the responsibilities people have towards their pets, and what can happen if these are not met, with Diesel a victim of shocking neglect.
“Thankfully, Diesel is now doing very well with a foster carer, and improving every day. Whilst it will be a long road to recovery, it is such a relief that the poor animal was finally given the support he so desperately needed.”
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