WOMAN BANNED FROM OWNING PETS AFTER DOG LEFT IN DARK CUPBOARD TO STARVE TO DEATH
In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Blackpool, Natasha Jolly, a 30-year-old woman from Ribble Road, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her pet dog, leading to a lifetime ban on keeping animals.The incident dates back to her time living in an apartment on Grasmere Road, where she abandoned her dog in a cupboard under the stairs, resulting in the animal's death from starvation.
According to court proceedings held earlier this month, Jolly pleaded guilty to the charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The magistrates heard that between July 2019 and March 2020, she left her dog, a female tan-coloured terrier-type, confined in a small, dark cupboard with no natural light or proper bedding.
The dog was discovered by a concerned neighbour who noticed a foul smell emanating from Jolly’s flat.
Upon investigation, the neighbour found the dog dead, covered with a sheet, and the floor of the cupboard was littered with old dog faeces.
The condition of the dog was appalling; she was severely emaciated, with all her bones clearly visible and protruding from her body.
The RSPCA inspector, Will Lamping, who led the investigation, took the dog’s body to a veterinary surgeon for examination.
The vet found no evidence of underlying disease but concluded that the dog had died of starvation.
A post-mortem analysis revealed that the dog’s stomach contained faeces and plastic clothing tags, indicating she had been so desperate for food that she was ingesting anything available.
The veterinarian confirmed that the dog had likely suffered for several months before her death.
The discovery left a profound impact on the witness who found the dog.
They expressed their shock and disgust, stating, “This whole incident has left me shocked and disgusted.
I can’t imagine how this poor dog felt starving to death.
I just can’t seem to get it out of my head.” As part of her sentencing, Jolly was handed a lifetime ban from keeping any animals, a restriction that she cannot appeal for a period of ten years.
Additionally, she was sentenced to 14 weeks in custody, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity.
The court also ordered her to pay costs amounting to £150.
This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the severe consequences faced by those who neglect their pets in such a tragic manner.
