A woman from Stoke-on-Trent has been handed a prison sentence for the horrific neglect of her pet husky, who was found emaciated and living in appalling conditions.
RSPCA inspectors discovered the dog, named Shadow, confined to a small crate filled with filth and faeces. The animal was in a state of severe suffering, with his ribs, spine, and hip bones visibly protruding through his skin due to extreme malnutrition.
A Disturbing Discovery
Inspectors were called to the property on Sneyd Green in January 2023. Upon arrival, they were met with a powerful smell of ammonia and found Shadow trapped in a crate that was too small for him, lying in his own excrement.
"The dog was in a terrible body condition," stated RSPCA inspector Natalie Perehovsky. "He was weak, dull, and depressed. It was immediately clear he had been neglected for a very long time."
Severe Signs of Suffering
A subsequent veterinary examination revealed the shocking extent of Shadow's neglect:
- He was given a body condition score of just one out of nine.
- His nails were massively overgrown, with some measuring over one centimetre in length.
- He was suffering from muscle wastage and chronic skin issues.
The vet confirmed that Shadow's suffering could have been easily avoided with basic care and stated it was one of the worst cases of neglect they had seen.
Justice Served
At North Staffordshire Justice Centre, the owner, Nicole Riley, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The 35-year-old was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and was disqualified from keeping all animals for a decade.
She was also ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and pay £400 in costs plus a £154 surcharge.
Thankfully, Shadow has made a remarkable recovery in the care of the RSPCA. Now renamed Ghost, he has been transformed into a "beautiful, happy boy" and has since been successfully rehomed with a loving family where he is thriving.
