A WOMAN from Burnham-on-Sea has been banned from keeping dogs for five years after her pet dog was found underweight and suffering from a painful, untreated skin condition.
Sarah Taylor, 36 of Cookson Close, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to springer spaniel Cookie when she appeared at North Somerset Magistrates Court on Monday (November 20).
An investigation was launched by the RSPCA after the animal welfare charity was contacted by a concerned member of the public who had seen Cookie covered in raw itchy scabs.
Cookie, pictured, was covered in painful, itchy scabs. Credit: RSPCA
Miranda Albinson , an RSPCA inspector said: “Those who own animals have a responsibility to care for them and ensure health conditions are dealt with promptly by a vet to avoid their pets suffering.
“There is never an excuse for ignoring an animal in need.”
Alongside the disqualification, which she can not appeal for three years, Taylor was also ordered to pay a £380 fine.
She admitted causing unnecessary suffering, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, by failing to provide veterinary care for Cookie’s skin condition between April, 7 and May, 7, 2017 and failing to meet Cookie’s needs by ensuring he maintained an appropriate body condition, contrary to Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, while living at an address in Nightingale Way in Weston-super-Mare.
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