LONDON DOG WALKER GIVEN TEN YEAR BAN FOR MISTREATING DOGS IN HER CARE
A woman who runs a dog walking and boarding business in St John’s Wood has been banned from owning or dealing with dogs for ten years, following an investigation and prosecution brought by the RSPCA.Charlotte Ford (DOB 7.5.1988), of Scott Ellis Gardens, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 20 August and was found guilty of three animal welfare offences and operating a day care and boarding business without the required licence.
The prosecution was initiated after RSPCA Inspector Amy Pellegrini, a Metropolitan Police officer, and an expert vet visited to examine allegations supported by video evidence spanning a month, which depicted multiple incidents of dog mistreatment.
During the investigation, three dogs inside her property—the owner's dog Rebel, a black cockapoo; Ghosty, a cream Doberman; and a client’s dog Ludo—were taken for veterinary examination.
Ghosty had infected lesions in his mouth, a swollen muzzle, and facial discharge, suggesting trauma, which had not been treated.
The vet administered pain relief and antibiotics, stating, "In my professional opinion, and in my experience of working with owners and their dogs, I do not believe this is the way in which a reasonable owner would handle their dog." Further examinations revealed similar injuries on Rebel, associated with constriction trauma.
Charlotte Ford was disqualified from owning, keeping, handling, or influencing the keeping of dogs for ten years.
She was also sentenced to a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, required to complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £200 in costs.
Ford’s solicitor highlighted her poor mental health, addiction issues, limited previous convictions, and her role as the sole carer for her son as mitigating factors.
Both rebel and Ghosty have been rehomed by the RSPCA.
