WOMAN FROM ASHFORD GIVEN ANIMAL BAN AFTER LEAVING DOG WITH PAINFUL SKIN AND BLEEDING EARS
A woman has been banned from keeping animals for five years after leaving her dog with chronic skin problems and bleeding ears.Becky Victoria Lyon, of Old Pond Road, Ashford, was sentenced at Margate Magistrates’ Court on November 28 after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
The 39-year-old received an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay £700 in costs after an RSPCA prosecution.
The charity attended her home in December 2024 following reports of a small dog with extensive fur loss.
Inspectors found Kiki, a terrier and bichon frisé cross, suffering from painful, untreated skin and ear infections.
Lyon told inspectors the dog’s fur began falling out about five years ago and claimed her brother once took Kiki to a vet, though she did not know the outcome.
But the investigation revealed the dog had not seen a veterinarian since 2018, and that visit was for vaccinations and flea treatment only.
Her ears were bleeding, and tests were carried out to investigate possible causes.
The dog also had overgrown nails.
Kiki was taken for an emergency examination, where a vet found she was suffering, itchy and uncomfortable.
By mid-January, she was in good condition, with fur regrowth and a much improved demeanour.
In mitigation, Lyon’s defence team said she had been experiencing personal problems.
The inspector added: “There was no excuse for not seeking medical help for Kiki’s very obvious skin and ear conditions, leaving the poor dog to suffer.
The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to take care of their pet to ask for help, rather than neglecting them and leaving them to suffer like this.
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