CONVICTED (2023) | Charlene Grant, born June 1982, of Yorkshire Road, Mitcham CR4 1PQ – allowed her elderly pet dog to suffer from disease and serious joint swelling.
Grant, director of Judah Facilities Management, admitted failing to seek veterinary treatment for the tan Mastiff, known as Hera, who was suffering with obvious swollen and infected glands caused by mammary disease, and serious leg swelling.
RSPCA inspector Natalie Kitchin, visited Grant’s home in March 2022 to investigate a report of concern from a member of the public.
She found Hera very thin with mobility problems and one leg painful to the touch. The elderly dog also had three large mammary tissue masses.
In her witness statement, Inspector Kitchin said: “Hera was very thin. Her hips, ribs and spine were easily seen. She had a pendulous lump hanging between her rear legs and her right hind leg appeared to be swollen.
“I asked Charlene when Hera was last seen by a vet and she told me that it was over a year ago.”
Grant told Inspector Kitchin that there was confusion about who should care for the dog between her and Hera’s previous keeper. She also said she thought she could not take the dog to the vet herself as the microchip was not in her name.
Inspector Kitchin said: “I told her this was unacceptable and that under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 she was legally responsible for ensuring that an animal in her care was not suffering.
“If she had taken Hera to any vet given her body condition, it was unlikely they would have turned her away.”
Hera was signed over to the RSPCA and taken to the charity’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital.
On examination, the vet reported that Hera had multiple masses on her mammary glands and a very swollen and puss-filled right hind leg. The elderly dog also had very thickened elbows, severe arthritis and severely swollen lymph nodes.
The vet estimated that Hera would have been suffering for at least a couple of months but probably longer.
Sadly, it was decided that the kindest option for Hera was immediate euthanasia.
Inspector Kitchin said: “This was a tragic case and simply shouldn’t have happened. The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to take care of their pet to ask for help, rather than neglecting them and leaving them to suffer.”
Sentencing | banned from having any pets for five years (expires April 2028).
Sick individual, I hope she suffers like that poor dog.
Nasty nasty.