HELEN AND FIONA MARTIN FROM LEEDS SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY AND NEGLECT OF PETS

Helen Martin and Fiona Martin, a mother and daughter duo from Leeds, faced serious legal consequences after pleading guilty to charges of neglecting their pets. The animals involved included a male and female cat, a male French bulldog, and a female German Shepherd.

Helen Martin, who had previously been banned from keeping animals for life following a conviction for cruelty in 2018, was found to have violated this order. Despite receiving a warning notice from the RSPCA instructing them to clean their property and seek veterinary care for one of their dogs suffering from a skin condition, the pair failed to take any corrective action.

Animal Rescue Officer Aleesha Haddlesey described the living conditions as appalling and unsuitable for any pet. She reported a strong smell of ammonia permeating the property, with faeces and urine scattered across the floors, and cluttered surroundings that made the environment hazardous and unclean.

Fiona Martin admitted that the cats were confined to the bathroom and refused to move them to a cleaner, more suitable bedroom. The neglected animals were eventually rescued and transported to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where they received necessary medical treatment. Following their recovery, the animals were rehomed to new families.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that the animals had been deprived of basic necessities such as food and water. It was also established that Fiona Martin was aware of her lifetime disqualification order, which legally prevented her from owning pets. The prosecution highlighted the severity of the neglect, noting that the French bulldog was suffering from irritated skin caused by a flea infestation, and the German Shepherd had been denied access to essential resources.

Legal penalties were imposed on both women. Helen Martin was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for two years, reflecting the court’s recognition of the seriousness of her previous cruelty conviction. Fiona Martin received a 12-month community order, which included preventative measures to ensure future compliance, along with an order to pay court costs and a surcharge.

As a result of their convictions, both women are now indefinitely banned from owning or caring for any animals, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to prevent animal cruelty in Leeds.