BLACKPOOL WOMAN BANNED FOR NEGLECTING AND LEAVING PETS TO DIE
A Blackpool woman has been banned from keeping animals after leaving animals to die in her disgusting property.Samantha Louise Forrester, 33, of Wolsley Road, pleaded guilty at Lancaster Magistrates Court on August 5 to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The court heard that between March and June 2024, Forrester failed to meet the needs of a male pug cross called Bruno and a female pub-type dog called Princess and a female cat named Naria.
An RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer attended Forrester’s former address in Lodore Road, Blackpool, on 8 June last year after concerns were raised about a pet abandoned in her property.
She stated that through the rear window she could see a tan-coloured pug-type dog with her head hung low, her ribs and spine clearly visible.
The dog was so weak that she struggled to stand, and the cat was very vocal and underweight.
There was no bedding for the animals and empty bowls with no food or water, and there was animal faeces and a strong smell of urine.
Officers found the animals living amongst rubbish and faeces without access to food or water, and both animals were taken into police possession.
Investigations revealed Bruno had been taken to a vet but was put to sleep due to fleas and dehydration.
Princess's vet gave her a body condition score of two out of nine, indicating she was underweight for at least two weeks and infested with fleas.
Bruno was described as 'really, really pale and severely dehydrated,' near death, with fur fallen out due to fleas.
Magistrates sentenced Forrester to a 12-month community order, including 15 days of rehabilitation activities, along with £200 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
She is banned from keeping animals for 10 years, with no application to lift the ban for at least seven years.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Susie Micallef emphasized the importance of meeting animals' welfare needs and sought help before it's too late.
Princess and Narla have since recovered and will be rehomed.
