CONVICTED (2014) | Shivaun Dorothea Best, aka Shivaun Turner, born 17/08/1979, of Greystone Park, Limavady BT49 0EG – for starving springer spaniel to death

An animal welfare officer called to Best’s property in December 2012 to investigate a complaint about a dead dog at the premises. The complainant stated that the pet had been left out in the cold without food or water.

On arrival the officer discovered a dead springer spaniel in a kennel to the rear of the property.

Officers noted that a blue bin had been tipped over and its contents were lying around the yard. Inside the kennel, bottles and cardboard were lying beside the dead animal.

The dog was found with his spine and ribs protruding through his skin. A post mortem was subsequently carried out on the animal, revealing that he had died from starvation.

A prosecuting solicitor revealed that aluminium foil had been found in the dog’s stomach which indicated that he had been eating the contents of the blue bin.

The court heard that the dog, who had been dead for more than five days when animal welfare officers discovered him, weighed just 6kg; a healthy dog would weigh between 20 and 25kg.

Best alleged that the dog belonged to her daughter and stated that she had no responsibility toward him.

During sentencing, District Judge Liam McNally described the case as ‘absolutely appalling’.

After viewing images of the dead animal, he said it was clear that he had been starved to death.

“You must have been aware of the suffering that dog was undergoing,” he said to Best.

“If you had pleaded not guilty I would have sent you to prison for two months.

“This is as bad a case as I have come across.”

Judge McNally said he believed he could ‘protect any future animals’ by banning Best from keeping or being in charge of any animal for a period of ten years.

Sentence: four months’ imprisonment suspended for three years. Banned from keeping any animal for 10 years (expires April 2024) .

BBC News