MOTHER AND DAUGHTER JAILED FOR NEGLECTING DOG IN SCUNTHORPE
A mother and daughter have been banished from keeping animals for a decade after their severely neglected dog had to be euthanised.Diane Mary Higson, aged 58, of Selby Court in Scunthorpe, pleaded guilty to failing to protect the dog from pain, suffering, injury or disease at Grimsby Magistrates' Court on Friday 22 August.
Both she and Candice Dakota Taylor, 24, stated they experienced mental health issues and failed to realize the animal was suffering.
Animal rescue officer Mollie Masters reported that her visit to their former residence on Spencer Avenue, Scunthorpe, in 2024 following a welfare concern, revealed the dog, Sade, in an "appalling condition." The dog was severely matted, covered in faeces and a strong smell of urine, with the fur so tangled that her face was hidden and her tail was rock solid.
The vet found that the dog had flea infestation, skin, eye, and ear diseases and was very underweight.
It was also embedded with pieces of wire and chewing gum, with lumps suspected to be tumours.
Given her severe condition, the vet decided that euthanasia was the most humane option.
Higson received a 12-month community order, including five days of rehabilitation activities, and was ordered to perform 40 hours of unpaid work.
She was also barred from owning animals for 10 years, which includes her current pets—a cat and a dog—that will be taken for rehoming.
Inspector Natalie Hill of the RSPCA highlighted the seriousness of the neglect, stating, "This was a very sad outcome for a dog who had clearly been severely neglected.
There is no excuse for letting your dog get into such a sorry state."
