7:00am Monday 23rd November 2009
A LEOMINSTER woman who kept a starving dog in a filthy bathroom has received a lifetime ban on keeping animals.
RSPCA officers found an “emaciated” Staffordshire bull terrier when they raided the home of Carly Reynolds.
Hereford Magistrates were told that “Precious” lived a hellish life, kept in a room with sullied water and clothes.
Reynolds, aged 28, of Ridgemoor Road, was sentenced last Thursday after she admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal over a four-week period.
Tom Watkins, for the RSPCA, said inspectors found “an extremely underweight” Precious in Reynolds’ bathroom on February 10.
He showed pictures to the court, adding the inspector found no evidence of dog food.
“There was an extremely strong smell of urine, and a white bath filled with brown water and clothing,” said Mr Watkins.
“On the floor of the bathroom was a duvet and a blanket that was sodden, smelly and covered in faecal matter.
“The defendant said the dog had diarrhoea and was only kept in the bathroom at night. She admitted the dog was undernourished, but didn’t seek any special treatment.”
Mr Watkins said Precious weighed 12.3 kilogrammes (27.1 pounds) during an inspection at the Marches Veterinary Centre, where staff confirmed the dog was suffering from malnutrition caused by neglect.
Matt Lewis, defending, said Reynolds was a recovering drug user.
He also said the level of harm suffered by Precious was not irreversible.
Reynolds was given an indefinite ban on keeping animals, but may appeal after five years.
She was also fined £260 and given a six-month community order with supervision and a drug rehabilitation requirement.
Judith Haw, RSPCA press officer, said Reynolds had been given several chances to give up the dog – which has made a full recovery.
She said inspectors were pleased with the ban and wanted to give Precious a new home.
“All the kennel staff love her – she’s a wonderful dog and I don’t think we’ll have a problem finding it a new home,” she said.
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