TERESA LONG'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN YEOVIL: WEST HIGHLAND TERRIER SPIRIT LEFT IN MISERY

In April 2017, the RSPCA responded to a distress call at the residence of Teresa Long, also known as Tez or Terri Brooks, located on St George’s Avenue in Yeovil. The inspection revealed a heartbreaking situation involving her nine-year-old West Highland terrier, Spirit, who was found in a deplorable state of neglect and suffering.

Inspector Marie Griffiths, who visited Long’s home, described the scene as profoundly disturbing. She recounted that Spirit was discovered inside the house, suffering from a severe skin condition that had resulted in almost complete hair loss across her body. The condition was later diagnosed as demodectic mange, a parasitic skin disease that can cause intense discomfort and deterioration if left untreated. The dog’s ears were infected, and her claws had grown excessively long, indicating a lack of proper grooming and veterinary care.

Long admitted to one charge of causing unnecessary suffering by neglecting to investigate and treat Spirit’s worsening skin condition. Inspector Griffiths detailed her findings, stating, “When I visited the property, I found Spirit in the house. The smell of her skin was disgusting—pungent and foul. There was pus in her ears caused by infection. Her claws were overgrown, and she had been scratching herself raw. The owner had attempted to mitigate her discomfort by putting a jumper on her, but this only exacerbated her skin issues. When taken to the vet, it was confirmed that her condition was the worst skin case they had ever seen.”

The RSPCA intervened and secured a deprivation order, ensuring Spirit would be rehomed in a caring environment. The organization had already identified a new home for her, and she has since made significant progress in her recovery. Despite the severity of her initial condition, Spirit now sports a healthy coat, leading Inspector Griffiths to comment humorously that she now resembles Tina Turner, with a full mane of fur.

Inspector Griffiths praised Spirit’s resilience, describing her as a “real little trooper” who, despite her suffering, maintained a feisty attitude. She emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, warning that neglecting veterinary advice can have serious consequences. The court’s sentencing reflected the gravity of the case, with Long ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, pay £585 in costs, and serve a five-year ban on keeping dogs—although this ban expired in October 2022.

Overall, this case underscores the critical need for pet owners to seek timely veterinary care and to take responsibility for their animals’ well-being. The cruelty inflicted upon Spirit serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws in protecting vulnerable creatures in Yeovil and beyond.