CONVICTED (2016) | Avril Scott, born 26 October 1968, of Edgeware Road, Gateshead NE8 3UU – neglected elderly mongrel, left him to suffer ear infection; Benji very sadly put to sleep
Former careworker Scott, who is originally from Houghton-le-Spring, Co Durham, failed to take Benji to the vet, despite him suffering an horrific ear infection for weeks.
The dog’s ear had swollen to more than twice its normal size but Scott denied noticing anything was wrong until the day before the RSPCA paid her a visit in January.
The court heard Scott still failed to seek veterinary advice, instead going on a night out.
RSPCA prosecutor Denise Jackman said: “The animal was euthanised three days later.”
She added that this was not purely down to the ear condition, but because the dog was elderly and also had Cushings disease.
Mrs Jackman said a report from an expert said Benji’s ear must have been bad for two to three weeks.
She told Scott: “If you were a hands-on owner, the dog would have yelped, because it would have been in significant pain”,
Sentence: total of £640 fines, costs and surcharges; disqualified from keeping animals, except her two pet goldfish, for three years (ban expired 2019).