14.05.08
A woman from Rochdale has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after allowing her two dogs to live in dangerous conditions and without food or water.
Jacqueline Alexander, 43, was handed the ban by Rochdale magistrates yesterday (Tuesday, 13 May 2008) and ordered to pay £617.93 costs. She was also fined £165.
At a previous hearing, Alexander pleaded guilty to failing to provide a suitable diet for her two dogs, a black and tan Rottweiler called Harry and a white English bull terrier cross-breed type called Shady, and failing to provide them with a suitable living area that was safe, clean and hygienic.
Heartbreaking neglect
The court heard how RSPCA inspectors were called to Alexander's home in August 2007 following a call from a member of the public. They discovered the two dogs living in dilapidated dog runs, which were full of rubbish, excrement and various hazards including wood, broken glass, nails and knives. There was no food or water for the dogs.
Both dogs were later removed and taken to a local vet who examined them and found that Harry was severely emaciated - his ribs and spine were visible and he weighed just 27.6kg, around 10kg below the ideal weight for a dog of his breed. He was also found to be suffering from weak hind legs, due to lack of muscle. The vet concluded his poor condition was as a result of hunger and that he had been allowed to deteriorate to that state over a period of at least four weeks.
The vet also found that Shady had calluses on his elbows and feet, likely to have been caused by sleeping on a hard surface.
RSPCA inspector Alison Wilkinson said: "This was a shocking and heartbreaking case of neglect. Both Harry and Shady would undoubtedly have lived miserable lives in totally unsuitable and dangerous conditions.
"It's unthinkable that anyone could allow animals to live like this without providing for their most basic needs. Thankfully, the sentence handed out in this case means no animal will suffer at the hands of Jacqueline Alexander for the next 10 years."
Did you know...
Under the Animal Welfare Act, which came into force in April 2007, pet owners have a duty of care to their animals, which includes preventing suffering. Penalties are a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison.
photo © RSPCA
