LISA FEATHERSTONE OF GEDLING SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS

Lisa Featherstone, born on July 10, 1978, and residing at Perlethorpe Avenue, Gedling NG4 4GG, was convicted in 2019 for subjecting her dogs to neglectful and cruel conditions. She admitted to mistreating her pets Diesel and Rocky, one of whom was found near death. The court heard that RSPCA inspector Dave MacAdam visited Featherstone’s home on December 6, 2018, after being informed of issues involving Rocky, a German Shepherd who was kept in a muddy backyard environment.

Paul Wright, prosecuting, stated, "The dog was in such a bad state that there was a risk of dying." During the inspection, Featherstone permitted the inspector inside, where he saw Diesel, a Staffordshire bull terrier, kept in a wire cage. "It was immediately seen to be in poor condition. Its ribs and spine were prominent through a short coat," Mr. Wright explained.

Both dogs were taken to a veterinarian for assessment. The vet rated their condition on a scale from one to five, with one indicating an emaciated and severely neglected state, and three representing a healthy dog. Rocky was classified as 'emaciated,' while Diesel was rated one level better. The primary issue was malnutrition due to an inadequate diet over at least one month, according to the report.

Fortunately, after another month, both dogs showed significant improvement. Rocky’s weight increased by 60%, and Diesel’s by 25%. Their conditions returned to normal.

Matthew Smith, representing Featherstone, expressed understanding of the case's sadness and emphasized that her actions stemmed from financial hardship rather than deliberate neglect. "This is born out of an inability to cope with financial hardship rather than deliberate neglect of those dogs," he said. He acknowledged that while the dogs were fed, the quality and quantity were insufficient, and he requested their return. Smith added that Featherstone had rescued Diesel nine years prior from a pub where she worked, and had cared for Rocky for two years.

However, District Judge Tim Spruce decided against returning the dogs, stating, "I can’t take the risk against the background of your current situation that the dogs would not be neglected again." As part of her probation conditions, Featherstone will receive support in areas such as problem-solving, finances, relationships, and emotions.

She was sentenced to one year’s probation, ordered to pay £235 in costs and charges, and received a six-month ban from keeping any dogs—though this ban has since expired.