A dog breeder has been jailed for 20 months and banned from owning animals for life after two Rottweilers starved to death and two others were put down.
Sandra Brumby, 53, of Phelps Street, Cleethorpes, admitted two offences of causing unnecessary suffering to the two Rottweilers, called Coco and Dakota, on November 11. Judge Richard Woolfall told Hull Crown Court that Brumby had previously been a kennel manager and was a fully qualified dog groomer and breeder.
Neglect and Intoxication
Brumby's cousin visited her at her home in Cleethorpes and saw that the room where the dogs lived was covered in their mess. Brumby had become paranoid that the dogs might be poisoned and so kept them inside. She later told the woman: "My boy is dead" – referring to one of the dogs.
On a later visit, Brumby was under the influence of alcohol and unsteady on her feet. Judge Woolfall told the woman: "When you tried to lock the door behind you, you fell over due to your state of intoxication." There were empty vodka bottles and used takeaway containers. The house smelled strongly of dog mess.
Dogs in Dire Condition
The Rottweilers, Coco, aged four, and Dakota, aged two, were both in a poor condition, with their rib cages clearly visible. They were malnourished and the woman did not think that they would make it through the night. "Dakota could not stand up," said Judge Woolfall. "She told you that Dakota was dying and needed help immediately."
Brumby tried to pick up Dakota and to "pretend" to her cousin: "Look – she's fine." The dog bowls did not have food in them. "The dogs did not have any food or water," said Judge Woolfall. The woman found two malnourished dogs on top of each other on the kitchen floor. "It was obvious that both dogs were dead," said Judge Woolfall.
Police Involvement and Sentencing
Brumby became aggressive and pulled the woman out of the kitchen. Family members attended at the property but Brumby would not answer. The police went to the house but Brumby spoke to them through an upstairs window before finally going downstairs to open the door. "You attempted to close the door when the police tried to gain entry," said Judge Woolfall. "You were non-compliant."
The ribs and spines of the two Rottweilers were clearly visible. "A large amount of dog food was found," said Judge Woolfall. "None of that was in reach of the dogs." The two dogs that had already died were cremated. There were no charges relating to the dead dogs. Coco and Dakota were, despite being given treatment, later put to sleep.
Connor Stuart, mitigating, said that Brumby understood full well the full gravity of what she had done. "Her alcohol intake had significantly increased," said Mr Stuart. "It was abject neglect." Brumby had no previous convictions but she had cautions for assault and criminal damage.
Brumby, who had been on bail, was jailed for 20 months. She was banned from owning or keeping all animals for life. She cannot appeal against the disqualification until after at least 15 years. Judge Woolfall told Brumby: "There was deliberate disregard for the welfare of an animal. These offences are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate."
