Gypsy's tale of suffering

The reek of neglect

Our inspector, Nicola Johnson, could smell the familiar stench of a skin infection as she approached a home in South Wales.

Inside Nicola discovered Gypsy a black-and-white crossbreed dog who desperately needed our help.

 

Gypsy had a horrific infection around her eye. She was overweight and had difficulty moving around and sitting down. Patches of matted fur covered up numerous infected wounds across her body. 

 

Her owner indicated the infection had been present for at least a month and agreed to sign her over into our care. Nicola immediately took the suffering dog to a vet.

Putting a stop to suffering

 

Gypsy’s knotted and matted coat was removed under anaesthetic because of the horrendous pain she was suffering from the sore skin beneath.

 

The vet commented in over 10 years of practising as a veterinary surgeon, this was one of the most severe cases of skin infection he had seen.

Gypsy remained at the veterinary surgery for ongoing check-ups, medication and tender loving care. She made a good recovery and now looks like a happy, healthy and lively dog.

Gypsy lost weight, her fur grew back and her eye completely healed. She has been successfully rehomed.

Indefensible actions

The couple who owned Gypsy pleaded guilty to causing her unnecessary suffering in January 2012.

The court imposed an eight week curfew order upon both defendants between the hours of 10pm and 6am. They were ordered to pay a total of £250 costs and they were disqualified from keeping animals for life. 
 

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Your support

Without your support we would not be able to investigate and prosecute in cases like this.

There are many ways you can support us, including making a donation to help make sure we're always on hand to rescue animals like Gypsy.

If you're concerned about the welfare of an animal, please call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line:

0300 1234 999.

We can't do it without you. Thank you for your support.
 

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