Shadow, a four-year-old female German shepherd dog, suffered from a chronic skin condition for at least six weeks, probably longer.

When Inspector Gill Corder saw her in July 2011 Shadow had extensive hair loss, sore skin, especially on her feet and legs and was underweight.

Shadow's owners refused to sign her over into RSPCA care so she was seized by the police. 

The road to recovery

Shadow’s skin was scaly and flaky with marked hair loss.  She had sores on her feet and also on her right hock. Poor Shadow was suffering terribly.

Once in our care she received immediate antibiotic treatment for her sores and prescription shampoo for her skin.

Guilty of causing unnecessary suffering

The couple who had allowed Shadow to suffer appeared before a magistrate’s court in February 2012. They pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering. 

Magistrates indicated both defendants had come very close to an immediate custodial sentence. They highlighted that this was an appalling case of unnecessary suffering to an animal which had very clearly needed immediate veterinary intervention. Failure to do so had directly led to the most appalling suffering. 

The magistrates sentenced them to a 16-week prison sentence suspended for two years together with 150 hours community penalty. They were ordered to pay £500 costs each and disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.

Happy ending for neglected pet

Shadow, now known as Maggie, has been adopted by Inspector Corder.  Gill says:

Maggie is very comfortable with us here. When I groom her beautiful coat I am reminded how different life is for her now. 

She is a kind, fabulous dog now in her element and it is as though she says thank you to us everyday.

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 William.

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

0300 1234 999.

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