Pair Banned From Keeping Animals For Decade After ‘Loving, Sweet’ Dog Kept In Cupboard
A Wrexham couple have been banned from keeping any animal for a decade after confining a dog in a cupboard, where she was chained.
Lee Gemmel (d.o.b 9.9.1982) and Linda Griffith (d.o.b 3.11.1986), of Collins Court in Wrexham, pleaded guilty to four Animal Welfare Act offences, at the town’s Magistrates Court on 3 February.
A white and tan Staffordshire Bull Terrier, named Penny, was confined to a cupboard under the stairs of the Hightown property, where she was chained.
Penny was found to have suffered unnecessarily with sores on her legs, and an ear problem. The Wrexham couple also failed to meet the needs of the dog, by not investigating and treating Penny’s weight loss.
Both, in addition to the 10-year disqualification order, were also handed a conditional discharge for 12 months, told to pay £85 costs, and pay a £20 victim surcharge.
Fortunately, Penny recovered quickly in RSPCA care, and is now seeking a loving new forever home. She is available, via the charity’s Bryn-Y-Maen Animal Centre.
RSPCA inspector Kia Thomas said:
“This couple have been banned from keeping any animal for a decade as a consequence of the neglect shown to poor Penny.
“Clearly, this case highlights the importance of considering the long-term commitment of owning a dog, and the consequences for failing to care for that animal properly.
“Even if a person’s circumstances change dramatically, they are still legally responsible for the dog, and clearly Penny has been through a terrible ordeal because she was not looked after properly.
“Thankfully, Penny gained a significant amount of weight when in RSPCA care, solely thanks to the provision of proper food and care. She is such a loving, sweet dog and deserves the perfect forever home, after such a tough time.”
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