CANTERBURY WOMAN HANDED FIVE-YEAR BAN FOR STARVING HER DOGS
A woman from Canterbury, Claire Jane Hodgson, has been sentenced after an investigation into her neglectful treatment of her dogs.She appeared at Margate Magistrates' Court and was handed a five-year animal ownership ban.
The court heard how she allowed her two bulldog breed dogs and six puppies to become severely emaciated and kept in extremely unsuitable, filthy conditions.
Inspector Tina Nash from RSPCA described the scene: “There was broken glass, wrappers, and bottles of alcohol strewn about a dirty home that hadn't been cleaned in a long time, with dog urine and faeces stamped into the flooring.
Skylar, a brindle and white female dog, was found in a state of extreme starvation, like a walking skeleton, with her ears down and tail tucked, visibly miserable and subdued.
The six puppies were locked upstairs, also in poor condition, scavenging for food and rubbish amongst a foul-smelling, unclean environment.
The male dog, Hooch, was found extremely underweight and lethargic, bones protruding.
All dogs were signed over to RSPCA and taken to a vet, where they were diagnosed with severe starvation and emaciation.
Hodgson admitted there was no food left because the dogs had eaten it all, and she explained she was disgusted with the male dog after he was believed to have eaten one of the puppies.
On her court appearance, Hodgson was fined £225, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £90, and contribute £450 in legal costs.
She received a five-year ban on keeping animals.
She claimed health issues and inability to afford food were mitigating factors.
The dogs Skylar and four puppies were rehomed, but sadly, Hooch and two puppies had to be euthanised on veterinary advice.
