CONVICTED (2023) | Brenda Pilling, born c. 1980, and partner Darren Horsford, born c. 1974, of Mardale Road, Huton – for the shocking neglect of multiple dogs, leading to the deaths of two of them.

Police were called to the home of Brenda Pilling and Darren Horsford on on June 14, 2022, after receiving reports of a dog being “left out in the heat with no food or water”.

Peter Mitchell, prosecuting, described how Ibizan hound Missy was found by officers “in a collapsed state” and “malnourished and lifeless” on the “extremely hot day”.

As arrangements were being made for her to be removed from the property, Horsford and Pilling arrived at the address – where two other dogs were also being kept – and were said to have behaved in a “hostile and aggressive” manner. They claimed that the pet in question was being treated by vet charity the PDSA

The RSPCA then visited on June 17, 2022, and found an underweight German shepherd called Nala, who was “struggling to walk normally” due to hip dysplasia.

A Staffordshire bull terrier-type by the name of Smokey was also found to be underweight.

Under interview with inspectors, Pilling claimed that she had been feeding Missy a diet of pasta, chicken, rice, salmon and eggs since she had begun to lose weight around mid-May, but that this had not brought about an improvement.

Pilling stated that they had then taken her to the PDSA, who “said there was nothing wrong with the dog”.

The charity had no records of such a visit however.

When Horsford was spoken to, he said he “smelled a rat” and suspected they had “given the wrong diagnosis and were trying to cover it up”.

Upon examination, Missy was found to weigh 10.75kg – or “at least 50 per cent underweight” – and was unable to stand. She then contracted pyometra, an infection of the womb which would “normally be easily treatable”.

But the dog was deemed unable to undergo anaesthesia due to her emaciated condition. She was therefore put to sleep “on humane grounds”.

Nala, who weighed in at 24.2kg, was said to have an “abnormal gait” and was “cow hocked”. She was said to be in “clear pain” and was also euthanized.

Smokey meanwhile had “no other health issues” other than being underweight at 13.4kg, and remains in the care of the RSPCA.

The charity’s investigation found that the dogs’ conditions were “most likely due to an inadequate diet”.

Kevin Liston, appearing on behalf of Pilling, said of the mum to two disabled children: “She is somebody who is not malicious towards animals but is someone who is deficient, both in terms of her personal capacity and finances, to address those conditions.

“She is someone who has sponsored animal charities over the years, she took these animals in from rescue centres.

“These dogs were looked after and in a good state for a period of time. She has accepted responsibility in part and displayed a level of remorse.

“She is someone who was moved and upset when informed of the fact they had been euthanized. She has had dogs for a number of years.”

Oliver Saddington, defending Horsford, told the court: “The suffering was unnecessary, and he is prepared to take his punishment for it. He wants to apologise.

“It is clear he is someone with affection in his life. He is a father and a carer.”

Horsford and Pilling were both found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to comply with the duties of a person responsible for an animal to ensure welfare following a trial, which was held in their absence at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.

Sentencing the pair, the judge said: “These were prolonged and repeated incidences of neglect with a deliberate disregard for the welfare of the animals.

“It is clear that these animals would have suffered. There are certainly personal issues within your lives which may put the offences into context.

“It is also clear there may be issues with regards to finances in the family home, trying to feed three dogs as well as keeping a roof over your heads.

“I am satisfied that you are not fit and proper persons to own or keep dogs.”

Sentencing | 34-week custodial suspended for one year; 25 days of rehabilitation activity. Horsford was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work. £3,392 in costs to be deducted from their benefits. Both were given a a 10-year ban on keeping all animals. Deprivation order on a fourth dog called Bud.

Liverpool Echo