CONVICTED (2018) | Jemma Bishop, born c. 1988, from Newton Abbot, Devon – left a dog and hamster to starve to death in an abandoned property.

Mother-of-four Jemma Bishop admitted two offences of causing unnecessary suffering, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, when she appeared before magistrates in Plymouth.

RSPCA inspectors were contacted after an emaciated dog and a dead hamster were discovered at a property in Kingsteignton, near Newton Abbot.

Staffordshire bull terrier, Cass, was close to death when he was rescued, with every bone showing, after he’d been left without food or water for more than two weeks.

A hamster, known as Steve, was discovered starved to death in his cage.

Deputy chief inspector Suzy Hannaby said: “These animals were dependent on Bishop and she betrayed their trust by thoughtlessly leaving them to suffer without a care for their welfare.

“She could have handed her animals over to the RSPCA or another animal charity when she was aware she was no longer willing to care for them but instead decided to simply abandon them to die after a period of prolonged suffering.

“It’s a miracle that Cass survived. He was just skin and bones when he was rescued but has since recovered and gained weight.

“The team at RSPCA Little Valley transformed him during his time in their care and found him a loving new home with a great family who are showing him the love and care he deserves.”

Sentencing | jailed for 13 weeks. Disqualified from keeping animals for ten years (expires May 2028).

PlymouthLive