MUM-OF-THREE KEPT EMACIATED DOGS AND PETS IN FILTH — SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL WELFARE NEGLECT
A mum-of-three kept her emaciated pets in a filthy home covered in faeces and rubbish.Lauren Sissons had two German Shepherds, a cocker spaniel, a cat and a terrapin at her Hanley home.
But a social worker alerted the police due to the state of the animals after visiting the address on March 26.
North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard the house was dirty with poo and litter on the floors.
There was no food or water and the pets weren’t exercised correctly.
One of the German Shepherds was described as being ‘skin and bone’, balding, with a growth hanging from its chest.
The other dog was also emaciated with skin conditions, and neither of them were able to stand on their hind legs due to their malnourished condition.
The cocker spaniel was ‘excessively scratching’ and thin with matted fur around its ears.
The cat was also said to have skin issue and was also scratching itself.
Meanwhile, the water tank which the terrapin was living in was so filthy that it was struggling to breathe, and there was no island to allow the semi-aquatic creature to exit the water.
Now she has been banned from keeping animals for three years.
Charlotte Morgan, prosecuting, said: “The house was filthy, there was faeces and rubbish everywhere.
There was also dog faeces everywhere in the rear garden and there was severe damage to the backdoor, which suggests the dogs had been left outside for a prolonged period of time and were distressed and trying to get inside the property.
“All of the animals had skin conditions and should’ve been taken to the vets in a timely manner.
The defendant should have known these animals were suffering.
This was disregard for the welfare of the animals and failure to seek welfare [for them].
This was unnecessary pain and suffering caused to animals.” Sissons, of Mayer Street, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Nick Sutton, of the probation service, described the 30-year-old as being ‘vulnerable’, adding that her brother lived with her.
He said the animals belonged to her ex-partner and, as she was living in his house.
She was promised help with the animals' from his family but it wasn't forthcoming.
Paige Morgan, mitigating, said: “She describes her circumstances as neglecting herself.
She was living in those poor conditions.
She was a victim of domestic violence.
“She’d previously cared for her own animal for over a decade and she’s always worked.
This has taken a toll on her and her ability to look after herself and animals.
She demonstrates clear remorse and full cooperation with authorities.
She was of previous good character and she earns £1,200 per month working full time.” As well as the ban on keeping animals, Magistrate Joanna Wilkinson sentenced Sissons to a 12-month community order including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 80 hours of unpaid work.
She must also pay a total of £199.
