A WOMAN who neglected a dog so badly that it could scarcely breathe has been banned from keeping all animals for life.
The emaciated condition of the dog was so horrific that it was the worst case of its kind that an animal welfare charity inspector had seen.
WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Photos of the emaciated dog may cause distress
The owner claimed she could not afford veterinary fees – but the case was made even worse as she lived only 200m from a Blue Cross Animal Hospital, Grimsby magistrates heard.
Amanda Tallant, 35, of Comber Place, Grimsby, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and five offences of failing to ensure the welfare of the dog, between October 17 and November 11.
Nigel Burn, prosecuting, said an RSPCA inspector went to Tallant's home on a routine visit after a report that a dog had been left unattended.
There was a strong smell of urine and a dog was found in a "terrible condition".
The 10-year-old female dog was "shockingly thin" and its fur was wet and dirty.
Its eyes were open with a fixed stare and there was a discharge from them. Its tongue was hanging out and the dog was unresponsive, apart from shallow breathing.
The inspector could not believe the dog could be so cold and yet still alive.
Tallant told him: "Well, it's not dead then, is it?"
The dog, called Tessa, was taken to the Blue Cross animal charity where it was put to sleep. It had been suffering from cancer and would have died anyway.
RSPCA inspector Stuart Wainwright said the dog's condition was the worst he had ever encountered. The tail resembled that of a rat and there were sores on its body and muscle wasting. It had suffered for at least three weeks.
Gemma Greetham, mitigating, said Tallant had neglected the dog but did not deliberately act in a cruel way.
"She failed in her duty of care," she said.
Tallant claimed she did not seek help because she was "struggling hugely with her finances" and could not afford veterinary fees. She was in arrears with her rent.
She had no previous convictions and had worked as a nursery assistant until losing her job.
Her work in that area showed that she was a "caring individual", said Miss Greetham.
Presiding magistrate Michael Simpson told Tallant: "This is a very serious case of neglect. You caused considerable suffering to a dog."
Tallant was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, 200 hours' unpaid work and was ordered to pay £150 costs and a Government-imposed £80 victims' surcharge.
She was banned from keeping all animals for life.
Another £564 in RSPCA costs will be paid from central funds.
Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Stuart Wainwright said: "I am pleased with the court's decision, especially with regards to the disqualification.
"This was the worst condition of a living dog I have had to deal with. It is completely inexcusable. This seems even more unacceptable when Miss Tallant lived only 200m from the Blue Cross Animal Hospital, which provides an excellent local service."
The case came as it was revealed that the number of convictions for animal neglect and cruelty in cases brought by the RSPCA rose by a third in England and Wales last year. The charity's annual prosecutions report shows offences rose from 3,114 in 2011 to 4,168 in 2012. Some 1,552 people were taken to court, up from 1,341 - an increase of 15.7%. RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant called the situation "a growing animal cruelty crisis" and urged judges to take "offences far more seriously".Editor's Comment The news that another dog has been left to starve to death – neglected and desperate is just dreadful. There may be other reasons which attribute to this case, but it is a fact that as times get hard, pet owners will find it increasingly difficult to give their animals the care needed. Charities report an increasing number of people leaving animals on their doorsteps, citing a rise in living costs and a lack of cash as the reason for them no longer being able to care for these pets. At least though, these people are seeking help. The fact is those who are struggling cannot just ignore their animal – it won't go away and it does need care. If you are in that situation, then seek help before it is too late. Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalor
