READING WOMAN JAILED FOR STARVING AND NEGLECTING GERMAN SHEPHERD TO DEATH
Florentina Radu, a Romanian national residing in Reading, Berkshire, has been found guilty of severe animal welfare offences after an investigation by the RSPCA.The case involves her prolonged starvation and neglect of a young German Shepherd named Thor/Toro.
On January 5, 2025, an RSPCA inspector visited her home following reports of her dog being collapsed and underweight.
Radu was advised of her legal duty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to prevent animal suffering and was issued with a notice requiring her to take Thor to a veterinarian within 24 hours.
Despite this, she refused further veterinary assistance, claiming she wanted to try and improve Thor herself.
She also ignored subsequent contact attempts by the RSPCA, leading police to seize Thor, who was then taken to a vet for examination.
The veterinarian reported that Thor was in a critically poor condition, with a low body condition score, sunken eyes, multiple skin sores, and nails overgrown by about a centimeter.
Despite veterinary efforts, Thor's health deteriorated rapidly and he was euthanized on January 16 with Radu’s consent.
The RSPCA inspector Rebecca Barlow described Thor’s condition as extremely serious, with her stating: “Thor was brought to the practice on January 8 by the RSPCA officers.
He was carried into the practice on a stretcher.
He did not try to stand, or lift his head, he urinated and defecated whilst recumbent.
He had a low body condition score and sunken eyes.
Multiple skin sores were noted, the most extensive on his shoulders.
He was unable to lift his head or stand.
When held up, knuckling was noted on his right fore leg.
Deep pain and a withdrawal were present.
Nails were all overgrown by approximately 1cm, the hair on the pads of his feet between his toes was also long.” The veterinarian further confirmed the cruelty and neglect, saying Thor was in such a poor state that he had to be put to sleep.
Radu’s neglect took place over about a month, with the inspector emphasizing the importance of kindness and proper care for animals under the law.
Radu pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences and was sentenced in 2025 to a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work, a £400 fine for costs, and a £114 victim surcharge.
Additionally, she was banned from keeping dogs for five years, with this ban set to expire in August 2030.
