CONVICTED (2024) | Mary Jane Allan, born c. 1986, of Burdyke Avenue, Clifton, York YO30 – failed to address her elderly dog’s failing health.
Allan, who has links to the travelling community, was prosecuted by the RSPCA in relation to cairn terrier crossbreed called Bob, who was found straying in York in June 2023.
Bob was picked up by a local dog warden and taken to a vet where it was found that he was unable to bear weight on his left hind leg, and had a bulging, ulcerated left eye.
The RSPCA was alerted and arranged for Bob to undergo further veterinary examination. The dog’s microchip showed that Allan was the owner. Enquiries revealed that she had last taken Bob to a vet in February, when it was recommended that she have him put to sleep. Instead, she left him to suffer in the months since.
The vet had to remove his left hind leg and affected eye due to the severity of his condition.
A veterinary surgeon said: “In my professional opinion, Bob was suffering unnecessarily due to an untreated bulging eye and corneal ulcer and left hind lame rendered useless and causing undue pain.”
RSPCA Inspector Thomas Hutton – who interviewed Allan – said: “It was Allan’s legal responsibility to properly care for Bob but she failed to do this.
“We would like to thank the North Yorkshire Police for their support in this matter.”
In mitigation, Allan was said to care for the dog and thought a great deal of him. The ownership of a dog brought her much comfort and support in an often-chaotic life.
Sentencing | 26 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months; 25 days of rehabilitation; £250 in costs plus £154 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping dogs for five years (expires June 2029).