Title: Owner Receives Jail Sentence for Neglecting Dogs, Leaving Them Severely Emaciated and Living in Unsanitary Conditions
In a shocking case of animal neglect, a dog owner has been sentenced after severely mistreating her pets, resulting in their emaciation and unsanitary living conditions. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) discovered the distressing state of the animals after receiving a tip about a severely emaciated bull-type dog named Merlin.
Merlin, owned by Charlotte Kenny of Lea, Preston, had already been taken to a veterinarian in a collapsed state with severe diarrhea. Sadly, due to his deteriorating condition, Merlin had to be euthanized. The RSPCA deputy chief inspector, Susan Micallef, repeatedly attempted to contact Kenny and visit her property to discuss the situation. However, all efforts were in vain as she evaded their attempts to intervene.
Concerns were further intensified when RSPCA inspectors observed a cat and two dogs, a female Rottweiler named Daisy and a male Northern Inuit type dog named Harou, living in pitiful bodily condition within the property. Notices were left for Kenny to urgently contact the RSPCA, but she failed to respond. Consequently, veterinary advice was sought, and in February, a police warrant was executed.
Inside the house, the conditions were deplorable. The conservatory was filled with the stench of dogs and littered with ripped couches covered in dog hair. Piles of empty dog food cans were scattered about, some of which had been chewed up. The stench of feces and ammonia permeated the air, with visible dampness on the floors. The lounge area was in disarray, with old animal feces, broken pottery, and hazards littering the floor. The kitchen was equally unsanitary, with empty animal food bowls, more feces, and rubbish, along with an overpowering smell of ammonia.
Upstairs, a similar scene unfolded, with piles of feces trodden into the carpets, filth, and clutter. The toilets were filled to capacity with human feces. The main bedroom was practically uninhabitable due to the accumulation of junk, empty animal food tins, and general rubbish.
The rescued dogs, Daisy and Harou, were severely underweight. Daisy’s hip bones, ribs, and spine were visibly protruding, and she exhibited overgrown nails, scabby ears, an unkempt coat, and signs of possible eye infection. Harou, despite his thick and fluffy coat, had noticeable weight loss, with easily felt ribs and spine, as well as urine stains on his legs and feet.
Upon examination by an RSPCA veterinarian, it was clear that the dogs had suffered from inadequate nutrition for several weeks. Daisy weighed a mere 19 kg (41.8 pounds), well below the average weight range of 35 to 48 kg (77.1 to 105.8 pounds) for Rottweilers. Harou weighed 24.6 kg (54.2 pounds), significantly less than the breed standard average weight of 36 to 48 kg (79.3 to 105.8 pounds) for males, depending on stature.
Prior to this incident, Charlotte Kenny had ignored previous warnings from the RSPCA regarding the condition of her animals and the living environment. She had declined offers of assistance in reducing the number of pets in her care. In court, Kenny claimed that her demanding work schedule had led to the neglect of her pets. However, she expressed remorse for her actions and their consequences.
As a result, Kenny received an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and is banned from keeping animals for ten years. She is also required to perform 100 hours of community service. The RSPCA took custody of all the animals during the investigation, and they have since been rehabilitated and rehomed.
Inspector Susan Micallef expressed her disappointment over the distressing case, emphasizing that it could have been avoided if the owner had followed earlier advice from the RSPCA. She commended the incredible transformation of the rescued animals and their subsequent adoption into loving homes, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the tragic circumstances.
