CONVICTED (2020) | Sharon Parry, born 15 February 1971, and Mark Louth, born c. 1972, both of 63 Claughton Avenue, Crewe CW2 6EY – failed to take their gravely ill dog to the vet and buried her when she eventually died
Staffordshire bull terrier Mitzy, passed away after a period of severe suffering, while owners Louth and Parry made half-hearted efforts to seek medical aid.
The court heard that Parry abandoned attempts to contact one vets practice because she was told to send an email.
The pair buried Mitzy in their back garden, but RSPCA officials launched an investigation and exhumed the dog for an autopsy.
Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Kevin Worthington, said: “The animal had been suffering from a case of pyometra which the vet said caused nausea and vomiting.
“It was obvious the animal was ill, it had collapsed four or five weeks before and the vet said it was suffering from 92 to 100 hours before it died.”
The prosecutor added that there appeared to have been an “element of well-intentioned but incompetent care” of the dog.
As the couple’s solicitor, Ruth Oakes, outlined: “They tried to make enquiries and they did phone one veterinary service but were told they would have to send an email.
“Sharon (Parry) says she does not know how to send an email – they are both not particularly good at using the internet.
“They did make enquiries but they gave up fairly easily.”
The pair both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between June 1 and 4, 2020.
The court was told that Mitzy was an “old dog” and a “loved family pet”.
The couple also own another dog and were distraught at the prospect of having that animal seized by the RSPCA.
“They feel regret and they do miss the dog,” added Ms Oakes. “There is an acceptance from both of them that they could have done more to assist her. They became aware the dog was ill, but put in context the dog was quite old.”
District Judge Nick Sanders told the pair: “The dog may have died as it was clearly very ill, but the failure to get veterinary help is a concern,”
Sentencing: two-year conditional discharge; costs and charges of £272 each. Three-year ban on owning or keeping a dog (expired December 2023). Deprivation order on the couple’s other dog.