Warning: Contains disturbing image
A woman from South Wales who allowed a bulldog to starve to death has been banned from keeping animals for life after a prosecution by the RSPCA.
Annasha McCarthy, of High View, Mayhill, Swansea, pleaded guilty to failing to investigate the causes of her dog’s loss of weight under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. As well as the disqualification, the defendant was handed a four-month prison sentence which was suspended for 18 months when she appeared for sentencing at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on July 2. As part of the order she was told to complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days as well as 100 hours of unpaid work.
The court heard how the emaciated three-year-old bulldog called Chico was already dead when he was presented at a vets in Swansea on October 20 last year. The dog was microchipped and RSPCA Inspector Jemima Hanks-Martin made contact with the defendant, who admitted responsibility for the canine although he had been registered under her ex-partner’s name.
A vet who examined Chico’s body stated that his rating on a body condition score was one out of nine, where five is an ideal weight and a score of one is considered to be an emaciated state. The bulldog weighed only 10.9kg and his skeletal structure was clearly visible because of the lack of body fat and muscle.
Records at the same veterinary practice where Chico was registered showed his weight had tumbled by 11.3kg since his last appointment for a health check on January 30 last year.
The vet concluded that Chico was starved of nutrition for at least a month leading up to his death.
The District Judge who sentenced McCarthy told her that she had failed to act and allowed the dog to starve to death, but he noted that the defendant’s “fear of being judged and a lack of finances” had contributed to her inaction.
McCarthy was told to pay court costs of £150.
Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Hanks-Martin said: “A responsible owner would have gone to the vets if their dog became underweight, but the defendant failed to act and financial problems should be no excuse for letting Chico suffer such a horrible death.
“For anyone struggling with the cost of caring for their pets as well as meeting vet bills the RSPCA has advice as well as information about charities that can help with costs at our cost of living support telephone helpline on 0300 123 0650 and at our online hub.”
