Woman banned from keeping pets after she allowed her dog to suffer from disease and serious joint swelling
A woman has been banned from having any pets for five years after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an elderly dog in her care.
Charlene Grant of Yorkshire Road, Mitcham, was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on March 23 for failing to seek veterinary treatment for her pet dog that was obviously suffering.
The tan female Mastiff, called Hera, had obvious swollen and infected glands caused by mammary disease and serious leg swelling while she was in Charlene’s care.
RSPCA inspector, Natalie Kitchin, visited Charlene’s home in March 2022 following a report from a concerned member of the public.
She found Hera very thin with mobility problems and one leg painful to the touch. The elderly dog also had three large mammary tissue masses.
In her witness statement, Inspector Kitchin said: “Hera was very thin, her hips, ribs and spine were easily seen. She had a pendulous lump hanging between her rear legs and her right hind leg appeared to be swollen.
“I asked Charlene when Hera was last seen by a vet and she told me that it was over a year ago.”
Charlene told Inspector Kitchin that there was confusion about who should care for the dog between her and Hera’s previous keeper.
She also said she thought she could not take the dog to the vet herself as the microchip was not in her name.
Inspector Kitchin said: “I told her this was unacceptable and that under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 she was legally responsible for ensuring that an animal in her care was not suffering.
“If she had taken Hera to any vet given her body condition, it was unlikely they would have turned her away.”
Hera was signed over to the RSPCA and taken to the charity’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital.
On examination, the vet reported that Hera had multiple masses on her mammary glands and a very swollen and puss filled right hind leg.
The elderly dog also had very thickened elbows, severe arthritis and severely swollen lymph nodes.
She estimated that Hera would have been suffering for at least a couple of months but probably longer and sadly, to end her suffering, the kindest option was for the dog to be put to sleep on humane grounds.
Inspector Kitchin said: “This was a tragic case and simply shouldn’t have happened. The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to take care of their pet to ask for help, rather than neglecting them and leaving them to suffer.”
Pictured top: Hera at RSPCA’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital (Picture: RSPCA)
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
