FERN AND PETER THOMS OF EXETER ROAD, DAWLISH, BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS AFTER DERELICT DOG CASE

Fern Amelia Thoms, born on December 6, 1990, and Peter David Thoms, born on February 17, 1989, both residents of Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon, were convicted in 2019 for neglecting their elderly collie. The RSPCA discovered the dog's terrible condition after an anonymous tip from a member of the public.

The couple's 12-year-old border collie, Kizzy, was found severely underweight, missing fur, and in obvious discomfort due to inflamed, itchy skin covering most of her face and body. An inspector who responded to the report took photographs showing her in a deplorable state, with scabs and pink, inflamed skin.

Kizzy was immediately taken to veterinary care and later seized by police. The RSPCA inspector Marije Zwager commented on the case, saying, “The photographs show just what an appalling state Kizzy was in at the time of her rescue. She must have been so uncomfortable and itchy all the time resulting in her nibbling and scratching herself raw.

“Kizzy’s terrible condition could have been avoided if she was promptly taken to a vet and the owners had followed veterinary advice to manage her chronic skin condition — it should never have got to this situation, and should never have simply been treated with ineffective home remedies by those responsible for her care.”

Thanks to appropriate veterinary treatment under the RSPCA’s care at West Hatch in Somerset, Kizzy’s condition improved significantly. She has since fully recovered.

Fern and Peter Thoms were found guilty of an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They were sentenced to pay a fine of £200, received a three-year ban on keeping dogs — which expired in May 2022 — and were deprived of ownership rights to Kizzy.