CONVICTED (2009) | Jackie Hurst, born c. 1961, of Southbourne Avenue, Walsall WS2 9TE and Katie Hurst, born c. 1988, of Manor Road, Walsall WS2 9PU – failed to seek immediate treatment for pet dogs infested with worms and suffering skin disease
Two of four puppies belonging to Jacqueline and Katie Hurst died as they did not get veterinary care needed and the pair instead tried to treat the pets themselves. They admitted five offences of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Issues with mange and the eye conditions of the three-month-old rottweilers being looked after at two addresses in Forrester Street, Walsall, were raised after they finally took them for vet treatment.
Once the RSPCA became involved they had concerns about an adult rottweiler dog called Lady, four, and a Staffordshire bull terrier suffering similar ailments. Jacqueline Hurst’s partner Stanley Bates (pictured) was later convicted for neglect of those two dogs.
Mr Nick Sutton, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said: “These animals were suffering from a cocktail of ailments so serious they caused the death of two puppies. These people are not fit to have animals.”
The pair pleaded guilty to the charges.
Sentencing:
£250 costs each. Jacqueline Hurst – supervision and curfew order. Katie Hurst – 120 hours of unpaid work plus supervision order. Both were disqualified from keeping animals for life.