SEAN AND EMMA-LOUISE HARRIS FROM ILKESTON SENTENCED OVER PET NEGLECT

Sean Harris, born 11 May 1988, and Emma-Louise Harris (née Emma-Louise Reid), born 10 March 1990, of Lower Chapel Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, were convicted in 2025 for neglecting their pets' health and leaving them in pain.

The couple was found to have severely neglected three animals: a Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a skin condition, a tabby cat suffering from a flea allergy, and a lethargic bearded dragon with deformed legs.

In March 2024, former RSPCA Inspector Pamela Bird visited their home. She first observed Boris, a five-year-old dog, who had a stripe of bald, scabby skin from his back down to his tail. Inspector Bird stated: “When I touched Boris’ head, he flinched and I saw that both of his ears were also thickened and the left ear had a large red scab just inside.” Mr Harris claimed Boris was being medicated, but when asked under which veterinary practice, he said the PDSA. Inspector Bird clarified that the PDSA confirmed they had no registration for them.

Mr Harris then told her he was treating Boris with medications purchased from a pet shop and online, admitting he didn’t know what condition Boris had.

Next, inspector Bird saw the couple’s cat, Bella, running from the house. Bella was suffering from roughly 50% fur loss with scabby skin. She was described as pulling her fur out due to stress caused by a nearby male cat, though inspector Bird suggested her issues were more likely due to a flea allergy. Inspector Bird offered to take both animals to a vet immediately, but both Mrs Harris and Mr Harris refused.

Repeatedly, the inspector attempted to persuade them to allow veterinary treatment, but they insisted there was nothing wrong with either animal. Ultimately, the inspector contacted an independent vet and police for assistance. With a police officer present, she took Boris and Bella to be examined.

Vet reports revealed Boris had a severe skin condition with inflammation, redness, thickened skin, flakiness, grease, and a strong odor. The inflammation was present around his eyes, ears (both of which were inflamed, crusty, and smelly), and along his limbs, under his abdomen, back, and tail. He also suffered from dental disease, corneal inflammation, and early cataract development in his right eye. Approximately a week post-treatment, Boris’s condition showed marked improvement: his eyes, ears, and skin were cleaner, less inflamed, and fur was growing back.

Bella’s veterinary examination uncovered extensive hair loss across her back, hind legs, and abdomen, accompanied by inflamed skin and scabs. Evidence suggested she had been chewing and licking herself excessively. She was also heavily infested with live fleas.

A bearded dragon named Missy, six months old, was euthanized due to her poor health. Vets found her lethargic, barely responsive, underweight, with sunken eyes and pale mucous membranes. Her front legs had severe bone deformities. The examination diagnosed advanced metabolic bone disease, and euthanasia was deemed necessary for her welfare.

The following month, Inspector Nichola Waterworth interviewed the couple at their home. During this interview, she noticed Missy, who was kept in a small vivarium in the living room. Inspector Waterworth recounted: “I asked for a closer look at the young bearded dragon in a small vivarium in the corner of the living room. I had noticed that it hadn’t moved at all the whole time I’d been there and its mouth was open as if trying to cool itself down. I picked the bearded dragon up and noticed that it put up no resistance and didn’t move much.” She observed that Missy's back legs were hanging loosely and noted her lethargic appearance. Mrs Harris reportedly said to Mr Harris, “I don’t know why you don’t just get rid.” Inspector Waterworth then advised that they could sign Missy over for emergency veterinary care. Mr Harris complied.

The vet confirmed that Missy was severely underweight, with sunken eyes, pale mucous membranes, and deformed front legs. A diagnosis of advanced metabolic bone disease was made, and euthanasia was carried out to prevent further suffering.

As a result of the neglect, a deprivation order was imposed for Boris and Bella. Since last year, the animals have been in RSPCA care and are now eligible for rehoming.

Sentencing details included: Emma-Louise Harris received a 12-month community order with 10 days of rehabilitation, a £50 fine, and ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Sean Harris was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody, which was later reduced to eight weeks, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 10 days of rehabilitation, pay £400 in costs, and a £154 victim surcharge. Both individuals are banned from keeping all animals for ten years.