MICHAELA TURNBULL FROM COVENTRY CONVICTED OF NEGLECTING DOG IN 2025

Michaela Lorraine Turnbull, also known as Kyla Whitmore and born on December 4, 1995, of Sandythorpe, Willenhall, Coventry CV3 3FD, was convicted in 2025 of neglecting her dog, resulting in the animal's euthanasia.

The mother of three failed to provide adequate veterinary care for her dog, Bruiser, despite repeated appeals from the RSPCA. Inspector Ben Jones from the charity managed to persuade Turnbull to allow him to take Bruiser to a veterinarian after numerous attempts to encourage her to seek treatment.

When recovered, Bruiser was found with ribs, spine, and pelvis clearly visible, swollen ears, mucus around his eyes, and open sores on his front paws. The dog's legs had yellow-stained fur, and scars were present in the pelvic area.

The attending veterinarian's report stated: “In my professional opinion on a veterinary basis, Bruiser did not have his needs met due to the failure to provide a suitable diet, as noted through his severely poor body conditioning score.

“Due to the loss of body condition, he was therefore not protected from pain and disease as this led to entropion, the rolling of the eyelid margin. Similarly, Bruiser was not protected from pain through ear inflammation and infection.”

After being fed an appropriate diet, Bruiser gained 1.8 kilograms in six days. Unfortunately, his health issues persisted, and he was humanely euthanised.

During court proceedings, Turnbull admitted to an animal welfare offence.

RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones emphasized the importance of proper animal care, stating: “Animals deserve to live healthy lives and are reliant on owners to be given everything they need to survive including an appropriate diet and vet care if they need medical treatment.”

As part of her sentence, Turnbull received a 12-month community order with 15 days of rehabilitative activities and 150 hours of unpaid work. She was also fined £350 plus a £114 victim surcharge. Additionally, she is subject to a 10-year ban on keeping animals, which she can appeal after five years; this ban is set to expire in May 2035.

Source: CoventryLive