CONVICTED (2017) | Clare Louise Parkinson, born 24 June 1982, and Mark Neville Henry, born 11 January 1979, of Doncaster Crescent, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 0LF – neglected an English bull terrier found blind and with bleeding sores all over his body.
In December 2016 Parkinson pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal in relation to the dog, known as Spitz. Her partner, Mark Henry, had gone on the run but appeared in court one week later to deny cruelty to Spitz. He later changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced in late March 2017.
The pair failed to care for Skitz who had severe skin and eye conditions. The dog, who had suffered for around two years, was found by the RSPCA in August 2016 to be “so distressed” he had to be put down.
John Ellwood, prosecuting, said: “What is particularly sad about this case is that the defendants had been warned about proper care for Skitz by the RSPCA previously.”
Mr Ellwood went on to describe how Skitz’ spine was visible, his stomach inflamed, his eyes red with yellow discharge, his feet were swollen with sores and there were open and bleeding scab sores all over his body.
He said: “The tragic nature of this case is that Skitz by this time was blind. His blindness was caused by the defendant’s failure to obtain treatment for his eyes. Blood vessels had grown into his eyes because they were constantly inflamed.
“So distressed was he that the only course open was to carry out euthanasia.
“Sadly, therefore, this is a case of prolonged neglect eventually causing the ultimate death of an animal committed in the presence of children and aggravated by a failure to heed advice.”
Parkinson’s other dog, Polly, was ordered to be taken and re-homed by the RSPCA
Sentencing:
Parkinson – eight-week prison sentence. Banned from keeping animals for life.
Henry (20/03/2017) – nine-week prison sentence suspended for two years; 200 hours of unpaid work. Banned from keeping animals for life.
Absolutely Heart Breaking.
For the sake of taking him to the Vet for Medication.
They won’t have no luck for the Neglect Of That Dog.