CONVICTED (2021) | Susan C Carmichael, born c. 1948, of Dalsetter Rise, Sutton-on-Hull HU8 9JE – repeatedly breached a ban on keeping pets imposed for a 2018 animal cruelty conviction.
Carmichael was found guilty of breaching a three-year ban on keeping animals imposed in relation to a 2016 cruelty case. This was her second breach.
In March 2018 Carmichael received a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for the same offence by keeping two shih tzu-type dogs, known as Tia and Ty, and a budgerigar called Georgie. She was also found to have failed to protect the dogs from pain, suffering, injury and disease by not adequately grooming them; and failing to provide the dogs with a suitable environment.
She previously breached the ban In March 2018 after two Shih Tzu dogs and a budgerigar were found at her home and a further three-year ban was imposed.
RSPCA inspector Jilly Dickinson visited Carmichael’s home on 12 February 2020, following a tip-off that she had a pet.
There was no answer, but Inspector Dickinson returned to the house two days later accompanied by a council animal warden with a warrant to search the property for any pets.
Carmichael’s son was at the house and confirmed that a timid male chocolate-coloured Burmese/Siamese type cat belonged to his mother. The cat was taken into RSPCA care.
Carmichael denied owning the animal but this was not accepted by the court.
In sentencing Carmichael the District Judge said: “It is important that you understand one thing from your appearance today.
“Any more animals in your possession will result in you going to prison.
“That is the most important message you must take from today – there must be no more animals”.
Speaking about the case Inspector Dickinson said: “We rely on the public to notify us of any breach of bans and I would always urge them to report matters like this to us.”
Sentencing: 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months; 12-month supervision requirement; a total of £538 in costs, fines and charges. A 10-year ban on owning animals (expires July 2031).