CONVICTED (2015) | Sylwia Pietras, born c 1991, of Dawson Close, Hayes, West London UB3 – left cocker spaniel to suffer with a painful skin condition
Pietras pleaded guilty to one count of causing unnecessary suffering to a tan-coloured cocker spaniel between March 24 and June 24, 2015.
The Polish national failed to provide adequate veterinary care and attention for a skin condition that affected the dog’s body, face and paws.
RSPCA inspector Becky Timberlake said the three-year-old cocker spaniel – named Deizi – was discovered in a “disgusting” condition and her skin was “stinking” from infection.
Speaking after the hearing, inspector Timberlake said: “When Pietras first got Deizi, she claims she took her to the vet and was prescribed with antibiotics to clear up a skin problem.
“She told us that when it started to get bad again, she waited three weeks before seeking any veterinary treatment. When the problem returned, Pietras said she didn’t think she could give Deizi antibiotics long-term so didn’t treat her.
“She said she thought the drying puss and foul smell meant it was getting better. Of course, it didn’t mean that. I dread to think of the pain and discomfort Deizi had to put up with for months.
“When we first saw her, huge patches of her coat had fallen out and her skin was red-raw.
“Luckily for Deizi, she has now made a full recovery and will soon be ready to go to a new home. She is a really lovely dog and will make a wonderful family pet.”
Deizi was renamed Daisy by RSPCA staff and rehomed.
Sentence: 12 weeks in prison, suspended for one year; 100 hours of unpaid work, costs totalling £860; disqualified from owning any animal for a mere two years (expired November 2017).