CONVICTED (2019) | Lisa Featherstone, born 10 July 1978, of Perlethorpe Avenue, Gedling NG4 4GG – kept starving dogs in horrific conditions
Featherstone admitted cruelty to her pet dogs Diesel and Rocky, one of whom was found close to death.
The court heard RSPCA inspector Dave MacAdam visited Featherstone’s home on December 6, 2018.
He had been told of problems faced by German Shepherd Rocky, who was kept in the muddy back garden.
Paul Wright, prosecuting, said: “The dog was in such a bad state that there was a risk of dying.”
Featherstone allowed the inspector into the house where he found Staffordshire bull terrier Diesel inside a wire cage.
“It was immediately seen to be in a poor condition. Its ribs and spine were prominent through a short coat,” said Mr Wright.
The dogs were taken to a vet who assessed them on a scale of one to five, with one being regarded as “emaciated” and three the normal standard for a healthy dog. Rocky was classed as “emaciated” and Diesel was one level better.
“This was down to malnutrition, an inadequate diet for at least one month,” Mr Wright told the court.
But in another month, both dogs had made a good recovery and their condition was normal. Rocky’s weight had risen by 60 per cent and Diesel’s had increased by 25 per cent.
Matthew Smith, mitigating, said: “In many ways, this is a sad case and there is no excuse from Miss Featherstone, simply an explanation.
“This is born out of an inability to cope with financial hardship rather than deliberate neglect of those dogs.
“She cut corners with feeding them and she accepts that. Whilst the dogs were fed, they were not fed enough and not given food of sufficient quality.
“Both have been loved family pets,” added Mr Smith, who applied for their return to her home.
He said Featherstone “rescued” Diesel nine years ago from a pub where she worked. She had Rocky for two years.
But District Judge Tim Spruce refused to allow the dogs to go back, telling Featherstone: “I can’t take the risk against the background of your current situation that the dogs would not be neglected again.”
As part of the probation order, she will get help in “problem solving, finances, relationships and emotions”.
Sentencing | one year’s probation; total of £235 costs and charges. Banned from keeping any dog for a mere six months (expired).
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This post has already been shared on Facebook over 150 times with the incorrect address! You are putting innocent people and their property at risk!