CONVICTED (2019) | Michael Richardson, born 30 July 1959, and Beverley Ann Richardson, born 24 October 1964, both of Broom Mount, Belle Isle, Leeds LS10 3JR – for cruelty to two dogs and a cat; one dog put to sleep
Michael and Beverley Richardson pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
They admitted, between 3 September and 3 October 2018:
(1) causing unnecessary suffering to two West Highland Terrier crossbreed dogs called Bella and Max by failing to explore and address their poor physical health and (2) causing unnecessary suffering to a domestic short-haired cat called Scarlett by failing to explore and address her poor physical health.
RSPCA inspector Kris Walker said: “Both dogs were in a terrible state when I first saw them but poor Bella was the worst and sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, vets made the difficult decision to put her to sleep to end her suffering.
“The fur around her eyes was matted with yellow discharge and she was unable to open them to see.
“She had a catalogue of other health issues – an ear infection, cystitis, her teeth were covered in tartar and she had gingivitis. She was dehydrated and underweight with her bones visible and she had overgrown nails.
“She was very subdued, as you would expect for a dog that was clearly so very ill.”
Bella was hospitalised and efforts were made to de-matt her eyes but it was too painful for her. When blood test results found she was too poorly for a general anaesthetic to clean and treat her eyes vets gave her pain relief so the matting could be shaved gradually over a couple of days instead.
The Westie-cross was found to have advanced conjunctivitis and scars on her retinas – which are indicative of previous eye ulcers. Her lower eyelids on both eyes were turned inwards and she was suffering from a very painful condition called ‘dry eye’.
Further tests also found she had chronic kidney problems and a tumour on her liver. Vets felt Bella was suffering to such an extent that she was put to sleep on humane grounds.
The couple’s other Westie-cross, Max, had a skin condition, ear infection and conjunctivitis. His teeth were tartar-covered, and he was suffering from gingivitis and a fractured tooth. He was thin, had fleas and his nails were so overgrown that they overlapped causing him difficulty walking.
Max was hospitalised so vets could treat him and he improved over three days. Following 11 days of intensive treatment his skin, eyes and ears were almost back to normal.
Scarlet the cat was thin and had fur loss, sores and scabs all over her body. She also had thickened intestines which vets felt was possibly as a result of diarrhea. She was given parasite treatment and antibiotics.
In mitigation, the court heard that Michael Richardson accepted there was a problem with his pets but didn’t realise how serious it was until the RSPCA intervened. In respect of Beverley Richardson, the court heard that she had no intention of looking after animals in the future due to ill health. Both were very remorseful.
Sentencing |
Michael Richardson: 12-month community order requiring 200 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation days. Total costs and charges of £235.
Beverley Richardson: 12-month community order requiring 10 rehabilitation days. Total costs and charges of £235.
Both were disqualified from keeping animals for life and a deprivation order was placed on Max and Scarlett.
Yorkshire Evening Post