Anne Marie Wood, 44, from Rochdale, has been banned from owning animals for five years after leaving her dog Tilly to suffer with a broken leg. She pleaded guilty to one animal welfare offence at Tameside Magistrates Court on Friday (July 31).
RSPCA investigation
The court heard how the RSPCA received a report that one of her dogs had an untreated broken leg. When Animal Rescue Officer David Hatton visited Wood's home on James Street, she was initially reluctant to cooperate before allowing him into her property.
Inside, Wood led officer Hatton to a female Bichon Frise, called Tilly. Tilly was visibly lame and avoided putting weight on one of her front legs. When questioned, Wood claimed the injury occurred after the pooch fell while being passed through a front window.
Failed veterinary care
Wood said she had taken Tilly to a veterinary practice, where the dog received pain relief, but she could not afford the £400 to £500 needed for X-rays and further treatment. In an effort to help, the RSPCA arranged for Tilly to be examined the following morning at its Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, with the charity offering to transport the dog free of charge.
However, when an animal rescue officer arrived to collect Tilly, Wood refused to hand her over despite having agreed to the plan the previous day. The appointment had to be cancelled, prompting the RSPCA to escalate the investigation.
Euthanasia decision
RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Jess Pierce, who investigated, spent time tracking down Wood so Tilly could be taken to the vets. When veterinary surgeons were eventually able to examine Tilly, they found she could not bear weight on her right front leg. They concluded treatment such as an amputation could not restore an acceptable quality of life due to Tilly's other orthopaedic conditions, and the sad decision was made to euthanise her to end her suffering.
The vet stated that the dog had suffered unnecessarily because her owner failed to provide the veterinary care and pain management she required. The vet in a statement said: ”Tilly was clearly struggling with mobility and was showing signs of pain when conscious.
“In my professional opinion the dog was suffering due to the owner's failure to provide veterinary care and pain relief as minimum.
“In case of the elbow fracture the owner brought Tilly for consultation two days after injury occurred. That means the dog was put through acute pain of a broken bone for two days, later got a one off anti-inflammatory injection, which brought some relief for 24 hours, although no further treatment was provided for over a month.
“Injuries like these need to be monitored. Pain relief and regular veterinary checks need to be provided by the owner to maintain comfort for the dog. During both private veterinary visits the owner was advised to return for recheck or further investigations, although that was not done.
Sentencing
Alongside the five-year disqualification from keeping animals, Wood was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete a 10-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and a nine-month drug rehabilitation programme.
In mitigation, the court heard that Wood had mental health difficulties.
Following the case, animal rescuer David Hatton said: "Poor Tilly was left suffering in pain due to her owner not seeking veterinary treatment. She was in such poor health with multiple injuries that she had to be put to sleep to end her suffering.
“There is never an excuse not to provide veterinary care as there are charities and rehoming organisations out there which can help.”
