KATIE MASON FROM CHESTERFIELD SENTENCED FOR NEGLECTING PET SHAR-PEI

Katie Louise Mason, born around 2001 and residing on Trinity Close, Newbold, Chesterfield S41 7EJ, was convicted in 2025 for neglecting the health of her pet Shar-Pei-type dog named Chase.

Mason, shown with her partner Liam Hawkins, failed to secure proper veterinary care for Chase, who suffered from skin, ear, and eye issues. The dog was discovered living in unhygienic conditions within Mason’s flat, with a discharge-soaked eye and areas of thinning fur across his body.

A veterinary assessment in the month prior had diagnosed Chase with severe bilateral entropion in both eyes, requiring urgent surgery. Despite this, Mason had not arranged the necessary procedures and only provided eye drops, neglecting to administer any pain relief.

After Chase was removed from the flat, a vet observed that he had endured prolonged suffering—more than six months—for his skin, ears, and eyes.

On April 23, 2024, RSPCA inspector Kristy Ludlam visited Mason’s flat in Melling Close, Chesterfield, following Chase’s earlier diagnosis. The inspector recounted: “The entrance hall was dark and there was a strong smell of urine. As we entered the lounge, I saw a significant amount of dirt and grime, indicating poor cleanliness.

“As I looked at Chase, he had fur missing at the top of his tail, with thinning fur on his back and legs. His tail skin appeared thickened, and his right eye was discharging and affected by cherry eye—sore and red.”

Mason refused to sign Chase over to the RSPCA, claiming the dog was “not suffering” because he had been to the vet. The charity had offered veterinary vouchers and assistance with rehoming if she could not afford surgery, but Mason declined.

Following his rescue, Chase received antibiotics, steroids, and treatment for his ears and skin. The RSPCA covered the cost of his eye surgery. A veterinarian who performed the procedure explained: “Eyelid entropion is common in breeds with excess skin folds like the Shar Pei.

“The inward turning of the eyelids causes hairs to contact the cornea, leading to irritation and possible ulceration, which is painful. If untreated, ulcers can heal with scarring, risking vision loss. In severe cases, there is also a risk of globe rupture.”

Chase, pictured as a puppy, was the victim of neglect.

During court proceedings, Mason admitted to failing to provide appropriate veterinary care for Chase. She was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months due to her cooperation and the extent of the suffering involved. The sentence included 100 hours of unpaid work, a £154 victim surcharge, and £400 in court costs. Additionally, Mason received an indefinite ban on keeping animals.

This case was reported by Derbyshire Times.