CONVICTED (2024) | Jade Taylor, born c. 1996, and Matthew Drake aka Boop Drake, born 23 January 1992, both of Brooklyn Terrace, Brighouse HD6 2PF – did nothing to help their poorly dog who died as a result of their neglect.
Jade Taylor and the ridiculously monikered Boop Drake failed to seek veterinary treatment for their ten-year-old Staffordshire bulldog Misha.
She had a flea infestation which caused a severe allergic skin reaction so bad she ended up being put to sleep because of “self trauma from her chewing and scratching at her skin”.
The couple pleaded guilty to one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
RSPCA inspector Adam Dickinson went to the couple’s home on September 17, 2023, to investigate after being tipped off by a member of the public. He found Misha suffering from a serious skin condition, which included skin reddening and open scratch wounds.
The inspector said in a statement presented to the court: “Misha had a lot of missing fur and her skin was tough and wrinkly. It looked quite pink with numerous areas showing fresh blood. She was running around in the yard, frequently scratching her skin.”
Misha was taken to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where she underwent antibiotic and steroid treatment.
A vet at the hospital said she was extremely itchy, which led to “self trauma from her chewing and scratching at her skin” which was so damaged, it looked like ‘elephant skin’.
After signs of showing an improvement in her condition, Misha developed a gastro-intestinal bleed, which is a potential side effect of steroid treatment.
Despite the withdrawal of the steroids and treatment with gastroprotectants, her condition worsened and it was decided the best course of action to end her suffering was to put her to sleep.
The court heard the defendants had not taken the dog to see a vet since 2019.
The vet stated: “It should have been clearly evident to the owner that Misha required veterinary assessment and care. She was frequently scratching and chewing at herself which again would be easily noticeable.
“Skin issues were flagged up by the owners’ veterinary surgeon in 2015 and 2019, but the dog was not presented to a vets again after this date. A reasonable owner would have sought veterinary care on seeing their pet with these symptoms.”
The court heard that Boop Drake was receiving therapy for “mental health issues”, while Jade Taylor apparently needed to support her sister, who was a full-time carer for her mother.
Sentencing | 12-month community order with 10 days of rehabilitation; each must pay a victim surcharge of £114 and court costs of £400. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires February 2029).
What of lot of tosh these self absorbed idiots come out with to justify cruel neglect. Flea treatments are marvellous now,compared to when I was young. They are a standard part of veterinary care. I haven’t seen a flea on my pets for decades thanks to the modern flea protection. No excuses for them.
Omg. I pay 18.50 pm on a life time care plan so my girl gets annual health check and vaccinations and nexgard spectra which covers every thing. I dont drive so i have to get piblic transport and takes me over an hour to get there and also Yes 18.50pm that’s 4.60 pw. If you can’t pay that you should not get a pet. And tbh looks like they could not afford shampoo for them selves. Scruffy tramps.