SOUTHEND DOG OWNER GIVEN LIFETIME BAN AFTER LEAVING PET TO STARVE
The owner of a dog which was left without food and water for three weeks has been given a lifetime ban from keeping animals.Holly Berkeley, 20, admitted abandoning the four-year-old shar pei dog when she moved home from Chinchilla Road, Southend, last December.
The RSPCA stated that Ms Berkeley claimed she was fleeing a violent relationship.
Magistrates in Southend also ordered Ms Berkeley to pay £1,260 and imposed a 12-month community service order.
She is not allowed to appeal against the lifetime ban for 10 years.
The dog, named Beretta, was left in a state described as 'pitiable' when discovered, and during her disappearance, aid was given via passing ice cubes and food through the letterbox by others.
Inspector Matt Gough commented that her owner had many chances to seek help but chose not to, emphasizing that even in difficult circumstances, animals deserve assistance and cannot be left to suffer.
Essex Police entered the home forcibly after being contacted by the RSPCA.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and neglect.
