CONVICTED (2018) | Lynne Patricia Hodges, born 23 June 1962, and Emma Louise Hodges, born 20 January 1992, of Grand Avenue, Cardiff CF5 4GJ – left their West Highland terrier to suffer in agony with untreated infections and a flea infestation
Lynne and Emma Hodges, who are mother and daughter, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in relation to a severely neglected Westie named Dougal.
The RSPCA described the little dog’s flea infestation as being one of the worst they’d ever seen. He was also suffering a chronic eye infection and severe ear infection and his hair was extremely matted.
The Westie was in so much pain that he kept crying out during examination and had to be sedated.
Sadly Dougal was so poorly that vets had to eventually put him to sleep to prevent any further suffering.
Speaking about the case, RSPCA Inspector Izzi Hignell said: “[Dougal’s] condition was horrific – just appalling – in fact I would say it was the worst example of flea infestation, eye infection and ear infection I have ever seen.
“I took him immediately to the vets where he had to be sedated because of the amount of pain he was in, they couldn’t examine him properly as he was crying out in pain.
“He was then clipped so they could see the extent of his condition.
“It is just so sad. He was suffering so unnecessarily. His condition was despicable.
“It was by far the worst flea infestation I had ever seen – his skin was black from the flea dirt.”
Sentencing:
Lynne Hodges was given a 20-day rehabilitation activity referral, a 12-month community order, curfew order; £150 costs and £85 victim surcharge.
Emma Hodges was given a 12-month community order, a 15 days rehabilitation activity referral, 100 hours of unpaid work, £300 costs and £85 victim surcharge.