CONVICTED (2021) | Helen Tracy Shaw, born 17 April 1971, of 21 Romney Avenue, Blackpool FY4 3AH – kept her poorly elderly dog in squalid conditions
Helen ‘Hezz’ Shaw was banned from keeping dogs for just five years after allowing her 13-year-old German Shepherd, Storm, to live in such appalling conditions he had to be put down.
RSPCA inspectors were forced to act after discovering the dog living in a squalid outhouse. He appeared to have lost his hearing due to an untreated infection and was also suffering from arthritis and poor eyesight.
He had extensive fur loss across most of his body with the exposed skin inflamed, scabby and flaky. The fur that was left had matted into solid blocks and was dark brown in colour
Storm’s left ear appeared damaged with a black substance oozing from it. Both ears were infected. He scratched at his head continuously and was in obvious discomfort.
Very sadly, vets felt Storm was suffering to such an extent that they had no choice but to put him to sleep on humane grounds.
Storm’s owner, Helen Shaw, pleaded guilty to one offence under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.
RSPCA Inspector William Lamping, who led the investigation, visited Shaw’s home in Romney Avenue on February 18, 2020.
Inspector Lamping said: “Storm was kept in an outbuilding that was unsuitable for him, mostly consisting of a hard floor that was soiled with faeces and old dog food.
“His bedding appeared rotten to the point I could not distinguish whether it was a towel or some other material, it looked sodden. There was very little natural light inside the building and when the door was closed I imagine there was no light at all.”
Inspector Lamping added: “There is no excuse for allowing any pet to get into the state Storm was in. There is always help available for those people who need it and we encourage people to seek out this help to prevent animals suffering.”
Sentencing: 18-month community order with 40-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and six-week curfew; total of £330 costs and charges. Banned from keeping dogs for five years (expires February 2026).
This is appalling
Absolutely Heart Breaking.