CLAIR ROPER FROM ST BUDEAUX PLEADS GUILTY TO STARVING AND NEGLECTING DOGS IN PLYMOUTH

Clair Louise Roper, also known as Lou Bond, born on January 4, 1980, and residing at Victoria Road in the St Budeaux area of Plymouth, has been convicted of serious animal welfare offences. The case came to light after authorities responded to distressing reports concerning her treatment of her pets, leading to a detailed investigation by the RSPCA.

On October 23, 2023, police contacted the animal welfare charity after discovering troubling conditions at Roper’s residence. When RSPCA Inspector Beccy Wadey arrived at her home, she was confronted with a distressing scene involving two of Roper’s dogs, which were found in a state of severe neglect. The inspector described the scene vividly, noting that both dogs were seated on a sofa within the cluttered and unsanitary environment.

The first dog, a tan-colored mastiff-type, was in visibly poor health. The inspector observed that the animal was suffering from malnutrition, with ribs, vertebrae, and hips prominently visible through its sparse fur. The dog also exhibited signs of skin issues, including inflammation and a creamy discharge from both eyes, indicating discomfort and possible infection. The second dog, Hazel, a Staffordshire bull terrier-type, was also in a dire condition. Her fur was patchy, especially along her back where inflamed, red skin was exposed. Notably, Hazel had two large growths: a reddish-pink growth roughly the size of a fifty pence coin on her back, and a dark pink, spherical growth about the size of a large marble on her rear left thigh. The skin around her tail and hind legs was inflamed and red, and both dogs were infested with fleas.

Further inspection revealed that the interior of Roper’s home was in a deplorable state. The environment was cluttered and dirty, with piles of dog feces scattered across the kitchen floor and hallway, creating hazardous living conditions. A third dog, a Chihuahua named Apollo, was also found living in this unsuitable environment, further highlighting the neglect.

Veterinary examinations confirmed that both Athena, the mastiff, and Hazel, the Staffordshire bull terrier, had suffered significantly due to malnutrition and skin irritation. The dogs were found to be in pain and discomfort, their health severely compromised by the conditions in which they were kept. As a result, the RSPCA took custody of the animals, and they are now awaiting rehoming.

In court, Roper pleaded guilty to three welfare offences. The judge sentenced her to a 12-month community order, which includes 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) and a 12-day mental health treatment program. Additionally, she was ordered to pay court costs of £400, a victim surcharge of £114, and an £80 fine. Roper is also subject to a seven-year ban on owning animals, although this can be appealed after four years, with the ban set to expire in October 2031.