CONVICTED (2019) | Joanne Parkhurst, born 28 April 1973, of Berkley Close, High Woods, Colchester CO4 – for prolonged neglect of two Staffies one of whom had to be immediately euthanised.
Parkhurst was charged with and admitted three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after failing to take poorly Staffies Fats and Boycie to the vets for treatment.
An RSPCA inspector visiting Parkhurst’s home to check on the welfare of the dogs found rubbish piled high in the garden.
Lauren Bond, prosecuting, said: “The inspector observed Fats to be quite underweight, with hair loss at the rear, scabs and red sores on his skin, long nails, large testicles hanging lower than usual and discharge dripping from his mouth.
“His teeth were rotten and a green gunk discharge was present, while the smell was overpowering.
“She said his testicles had been in that condition for six months.
“She stated she had called the RSPCA and asked for help, stated the RSPCA had asked for £100 and she said she couldn’t afford it.
“Enquiries were made with the RSPCA and it was established they never asked for £100, they would always help any animal in need.
“There was no records of the calls.
“Boycie was in a slim body condition but was alert and responsive. There was fur missing from his rear end, his skin appeared sore, red and scabby. The defendant said he had been like that for six weeks.
“There was a third dog, Sasha, who appeared bright, alert and responsive.”
The vet who examined the two dogs described Fats’ condition as the worst they had ever seen. He had a severe jaw bone infection, skin disease and an untreated tumour on his testicle.
The smell was described as “horrendous” and his body condition was given a score of two out of ten.
Miss Bond said: “He was euthanised on humane grounds with the consent of the defendant.”
Boycie was treated for skin diseases, with the dog’s skin “scabbing badly”. He was given a body condition rating of four out of ten.
He has since made a recovery and remains in the care of the RSPCA.
Parkhurst was ordered to surrender Sasha and three cats to the RSPCA.
Sentencing | 18 weeks in prison, suspended for a year. 100 hours of unpaid work. Banned from owning any animal for ten years (expires December 2029).