CONVICTED (2018) | Ashley Cooper, born c. 1967, and Katy Gordon, born c. 1985, both of Ronksley Road, Shiregreen, Sheffield S5 0HF – failed to treat their dog’s painful skin condition
The RSPCA first contacted Ashley Cooper and Katy Gordon about their cross-breed dog, Sasha, in 2016, after concerns were raised about her skin condition and general welfare.
Prosecutor Andy Cash said the couple initially heeded the RSPCA’s advice and took her to the vet, which led to her condition improving.
But in September 2018, the charity were contacted about Sasha’s welfare once again.
“She was [found to be] very low in weight, and her skin condition was frankly appalling…her skin was pustulating,” said Mr Cash, adding: “It’s the Society’s case that she was suffering for a considerable amount of time.”
He added: “Mr Cooper signed the dog over to the Society straight away, and with proper care, the dog has made a full recovery.”
When interviewed, Cooper and Gordon both admitted responsibility for Sasha, and described how they could not afford to take her to the vets, so attempted to treat her condition with products they had bought instead.
“There would have been all sort of alternatives available to them [to help with veterinary care], as I’m sure you will understand,” Mr Cash told the magistrates.
Mr Cash said the couple also owned cats and a Chihuahua dog; and said that while their cats were found to have fleas, there was no evidence of them being mistreated.
As a result, he asked for them to be banned from owning dogs specifically, which would allow them to keep their cats.
Cooper and Gordon were not represented in court.
When asked if there was anything she would like the magistrates to take into consideration when passing sentence, Gordon said: “I’m really, really sorry.”
To the same question, Cooper replied: “I’m really, really sorry about what’s happened to Sasha. We have a disabled daughter and the Chihuahua is hers. She suffers from learning difficulties, and it’s going to be hard for her to understand where the dog has gone.”
Sentencing |
Katy Gordon: 40 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement
Ashley Cooper: 60 hours of unpaid work.
Each was ordered to pay £185 in costs.
Banned from owning dogs for five years (expires December 2023).