A couple who left their pet dog to suffer a painful death over three months have been banned for life from owning animals.
Tiffany Charlton, 20, and Michael Downing, 21, both of Hull, pleaded guilty to one count of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.
One-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross Lola received a bite injury, which the pair failed to get veterinary treatment for, it became infected and resulted in sepsis, weight loss and death, reports Hull Live.
Both received an 18-week suspended sentence, Downing’s for 18 months, and Charlton’s for 12 months.
They were both each asked to pay £250 costs and £125 victim surcharge. Both received a lifetime ban on all animals, with three years before they can appeal it. There was a court order for seizure of two other dogs at the property.
Downing also received 100 hours of community service and five rehabilitation activity days.
Charlton received 20 rehabilitation activity days and a curfew from 7pm to 7am, starting on the day of sentencing, March 25, for 12 weeks.
Hull Magistrates’ Court heard that Lola was left to suffer between April 24 and July 21, 2020. Sadly, by the time Lola was taken to a vets in July, she collapsed and died on the table before any treatment could be given.
RSPCA inspector Lucy Green said: “This was a tragic case as if Lola had received the appropriate veterinary treatment after her injury, it could have been easily managed and she would have looked forward to a long and happy life.
“However, the wound on her leg was such that it resulted in sepsis and eventually death.”
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit the charity’s website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.
