WOMAN BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS AFTER DOG'S DEATH
The owner of a dog who was found in such a critical condition that euthanasia was necessary has been prohibited from owning animals for a decade.Tara Louise Myles, aged 33, admitted to an offence related to animal welfare following an investigation carried out by the RSPCA.
Residing on Berkshire Close in Weymouth, Myles owned a seven-year-old French Bulldog named Mali, who was severely suffering from long-term malnutrition and dehydration.
The veterinarians had to verify that the dog was still alive due to her collapsed state.
Mali was brought in by Myles' partner in a severely weakened condition, exhibiting both fecal and urinary incontinence.
The dog was ultimately euthanised by veterinary professionals with the owner’s consent, given the gravity of her illness.
The RSPCA's intervention was prompted when a veterinarian contacted them, having been presented with the dog in a state of extreme emaciation.
The vet, who examined Mali, said in their report to the court: “'On initial observation, it was clear that she was moribund [being at the point of death or approaching a state of terminal decline] and very weak.
We had to double check she was still alive.
“Mali was very quiet, depressed and only able to lift her head slightly, she was dull but seemed aware of her surroundings and appeared fearful.
"She was emaciated with a body condition score of 0-1 out of 9 (the lowest possible rating) and her mucous membranes were very pale white in colour and dry to the touch.
The claws on all four of her feet were very overgrown and one of them had actually grown into her digital pad by approximately 1cm - this was surrounded by a purulent discharge.
“In my professional opinion, Mali had been in this state for some time.
Whilst dehydration can occur fairly rapidly, the reduction of her weight and muscle mass is a chronic change.
"Similarly, it would take months for claws to become that overgrown that they impinge on the soft tissues of the foot.
There was sufficient evidence from the physical exam to state that Myles had not met the basic welfare needs of her dog for a duration of months.
“There was also no clear reason as to why Mali had been left this way and no reasonable effort to prevent it.
In my opinion, this situation could have been completely avoided if Myles had taken her responsibility as a pet owner properly and provided for the welfare needs as directed by the Animal Welfare Act.” In mitigation, Myles said she was struggling with difficulties in her personal life and her mental health.
Alongside the disqualification order, Myles was also ordered to pay a £200 fine, £400 costs and a £80 victim surcharge.
