PONTYPOOL WOMAN GETS ANIMAL BAN AFTER HUSKIES FOUND EMACIATED
A woman who claimed that her pets’ suffering was due to relationship breakdown has been banned from having animals for a decade.At Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, Cher Cooksey, aged 35 and residing on Stafford Road in Griffithstown, pleaded guilty to four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals covered under protection laws.
Representing the RSPCA, prosecutor Aled Watkins stated that an inspector visited Cooksey’s home on September 15, 2012.
It was found that a cat called Bailey had bloody patches around its ears, and three dogs in her care were dangerously thin.
There was a large amount of feces in the kitchen and fur all over the house.
The animals were taken to a vet, where the scratching cat was treated with antibiotics.
The vet described the first husky, Nalani, as extremely underweight at 7.1kg, emaciated, dehydrated, and trembling when standing.
Kaiser, the second husky, was also undernourished, smelled of urine, had dull responses, and ate voraciously when fed, weighing 9.1kg.
The third dog, Odin, was similar in weight and condition.
Mr Watkins told the court that Cooksey acknowledged her wrongdoing and that she had too many animals, describing the situation as ‘disgusting and embarrassing.’ She reported to have taken her pets to the vet several times at the request of the RSPCA.
Defence solicitor Sophie Toms said her client was once a husky show and race participant but suffered a mental health breakdown in 2010.
Ms Toms further explained that Cooksey experienced financial hardship and a breakup, which affected her ability to care properly.
“Her situation was a result of her inability to cope, not intentional neglect,” she emphasized.
She admitted that by 2012, she had lost control.
Magistrate Ann Gray remarked that as Cooksey had previously shown the dogs, she knew well the standards they should meet and the severity of neglect.
For her conduct, she was sentenced to a community order for one year and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
She was also prohibited from owning any animals for ten years and required to pay £100 in court costs.
