CONVICTED (2023) | Chloe Elizabeth Smith aka Khloe Rowley, born 10 November 2000, from Tutbury, Burton-on-Trent – left a poorly dog in an empty house with no food and water.
Single mother Chloe Smith was banned from keeping animals after her tan and white bull-breed dog, Boss, was found alone at home with empty bowls and a severe skin condition. An RSPCA inspector had to push dog food and ice cubes through a letterbox to keep the dog alive.
Magistrates heard that Smith had “rescued” Boss and initially sought veterinary advice from the PDSA on treating his skin problems.
But on November 5, 2022, an RSPCA inspector visited Smith’s home to investigate reports that a dog had been left unattended for a week.
Prosecuting for the charity Jayne Skeates told the court: “There was no response but a dog was heard to be behind the door.
“Two dog bowls were seen but were both empty. The dog came to the door and was in poor bodily condition, muzzle red and raw with signs of infection.
“The RSPCA returned again on the following day, November 6, and seals on the door were still intact. Dog food and ice cubes were put through the letter box on November 7 and seals were intact.
“The dog was then seized and taken to vets for examination; it drank two bowls of water on arrival. There was a skin infection, redness and fur loss and the dog was prescribed antibiotics.”
Smith admitted not taking steps to ensure the needs of the dog were met to the extent required.
In mitigation Smith’s lawyer told the court Boss had been in an even worse condition when rescued by Smith.
She said: “The RSPCA saw it in April and they saw it in August – Boss had generally improved in the time Miss Smith had the dog,
“They had a call alleging the dog had been left for a week on its own, which was not true at all. When they found the dog on its own it had been left overnight with food.
“She registered with the PDSA, explained the symptoms and asked for him to be seen. They said it was not necessary and she needed to wash him with something mild and give him antihistamine.
“That’s what she has done, washing him three times a week and feeding him twice a day, buying salmon oil and vitamins. She was doing everything she felt she could do to improve the dog’s welfare.
“Life did not go smoothly for her. She was in a relationship that was abusive.
“However she has worked with social services and the family practitioner. Her mental health at the time was not good but has greatly improved and social services are happy for her daughter to be there.
“Since the dog has been seized by the RSPCA they have brought it back for visits. The dog is still very thin and still has a skin condition – it’s a condition it’s going to have for life – but she has improved the condition of the dog.”
Sentencing | 12-month conditional discharge; ordered to pay £400 costs and a £26 surcharge. Deprivation order for Boss. Banned from keeping animals for just 12 months (expires April 2024).
*Chloe Smith is now calling herself Khloe-Mae Elizabeth Rowley or just Khloe Rowley. When she’s not working in the Prince of Brewers pub in Burton upon Trent, she takes part in amateur boxing matches.
