CONVICTED (2019) | Samantha J Ord, born c. 1983, of Pont Street, Ashington NE63 0PZ – left her three dogs to suffer with painful skin disorders and poor body condition.

Ord was charged with two offences after RSPCA officers found the pets at her home in 2018.

The dogs – a Staffy, Labrador/Staffy cross and American bulldog – had problems with their skin and poor body conditions.

RSPCA prosecutor Stewart Haywood said the three dogs were taken to a vet and examined.

One pet’s skin was crusty, she had hair loss and there was an unpleasant yeasty smell, while another was also in a poor body condition and had fleas on her coat. There were similar problems with the third.

“All were suffering,” said Mr Haywood. “And this had happened over a period of many weeks.”

The animals were taken into the care of the RSPCA and were nursed back to health. They are now said to be making good progress.

The court was told that Ord, of previous good character, was suffering from depression and experiencing difficulties in her personal life. Her husband died in 2017 and she had struggled to cope.

A probation officer said she had no previous convictions and was at low risk of re-offending.

And Alan Brown, defending, told the court that Ord felt a “sense of shame and regret” over her failure to look after the dogs.

Sentencing | four-month curfew; 18-month community order with rehabilitation activities. Total of £485 costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping animals for five years (expires July 2024).

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