AMANDA HAWKINS FROM COLNE SENTENCED FOR NEGLECTING DOG WITH SEVERE SKIN AND EAR INFECTIONS

Amanda Hawkins, a resident of Keighley Avenue in Colne, has been convicted in 2024 of a serious animal welfare offence involving her nine-year-old Labrador, Robin. The case highlights her failure to seek necessary veterinary care for Robin’s chronic health issues, which ultimately led to the dog’s suffering and euthanasia.

Hawkins was found to have neglected Robin over a period of at least two months, despite being provided with a voucher by the RSPCA to help cover veterinary expenses. She claimed to have lost the voucher, which was issued to assist her in addressing Robin’s health problems. The dog’s condition had worsened to such an extent that a veterinarian deemed it necessary to put Robin to sleep on welfare grounds, citing the severity of his suffering.

RSPCA Inspector Vicki Brooks, who visited Hawkins’ home on Keighley Avenue, described her findings in court. She noted an unpleasant smell associated with skin issues, and observed Robin in a poor state of health. The inspector explained, “Robin was in lean body condition with extensive fur loss and a skin condition affecting most of his body. I could see patches where he had scratched or rubbed himself to the point of bleeding. His ears were swollen and deformed, and he was shaking his head regularly, which indicated he likely had an ear infection.”

During the inspection, Hawkins admitted that she had not taken Robin to the vet because she could not afford it. Inspector Brooks reminded her that a veterinary assistance voucher had previously been issued to her, but she claimed to have misplaced it. The inspector emphasized the urgency of Robin’s condition, stating that he required immediate treatment. Due to her neglect of previous advice, animal welfare officers felt compelled to intervene.

Hawkins consented to Robin being taken into custody, and he was transported to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital later that day. A veterinarian examined Robin and provided a detailed report. The vet described signs of long-standing ear problems, with both ear canals thickened to the point of being nearly closed. The skin over much of Robin’s body was reddened and thinning, with evidence of fleas present. Under general anesthesia, further examination revealed that the right ear canal was completely closed, with significant scarring, thickening, and signs of infection in both ears. The vet explained that such ear disease develops over time, and the extent of damage indicated Robin had been suffering for at least two months, possibly longer. The pain and discomfort caused by these conditions were severe, and the ongoing head shaking was likely a response to persistent ear irritation and infection.

In her interview, Hawkins stated that Robin had begun nibbling himself and that she had been treating him regularly for fleas, including bathing him with flea shampoo. She also mentioned that she had switched his diet to wheat-free food but found it too expensive, and that her efforts had not alleviated his health issues.

Susie Micallef, Deputy Chief Inspector of the RSPCA involved in the investigation, expressed her sadness over the case. She remarked, “This was a particularly sad case to deal with. Robin’s suffering could have been avoided if he had received early veterinary intervention and if his owner had acted on the help and support provided to her.”

In sentencing, Hawkins received a 12-month community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114. Additionally, she faces a five-year ban from owning animals, which will expire in May 2029.