AMY WOODHOUSE SENTENCED IN PONTEFRACT FOR CRUELTY TO DOG MAX

Amy Elizabeth Woodhouse, born on February 6, 1985, and residing at Holmfield Close, Pontefract WF8 2NE, was convicted in 2020 of neglecting her pet dog, Max, who was left to suffer in agony for weeks due to an infected ear.

RSPCA inspector Kris Walker recounted: “I first saw Max in May of last year. He was in good body condition, bright, and alert, but was a little scabby down his back. His left ear appeared infected; it was oozing yellow pus-like liquid and looked very sore, as he cried when I touched it.

Inspector Walker added: “A little over a month later, I spoke to her on the phone. She said she had only just got the money together to take Max to the vets and that he was booked in for the next day. I contacted her again a few days later, and she told me he’d been given some medication and needed to go back in another seven days. I emphasized how important it was for him to see a vet.

“I tried to reach her afterward by phone but received no reply. When I checked with the vets, I was told she hadn’t returned with Max. I then visited the property again, but her owner would not permit me entry.

The following day, on July 13th, nearly two months from the initial visit, inspector Walker attended with police. Max was crying as soon as his ear was touched. His ear was swollen, with a strong smell, and was yellow and thickened. He was scratching and shaking his head.

“His owner authorized me to take him to the vets, where his ears caused him so much pain that I couldn’t obtain photographs inside them, as it was just too distressing for him.”

Max was taken into police custody based on veterinary advice and remained at the vets overnight for treatment.

During the court hearing, Woodhouse admitted to three violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

In mitigation, the court noted that the defendant acknowledged she was struggling to care for the dog but had made at least one effort to get him veterinary assistance.

The court sentenced her to a 12-month community order, which includes 20 rehabilitation activity days, and ordered her to pay an £85 victim surcharge. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.

A deprivation order was also made, and Max was handed over to the RSPCA for rehoming.