A woman from Greater Manchester who failed to get veterinary treatment for her dog who was suffering from chronic ear and skin issues has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years.
Emma Conway of Southfield Drive in Westhoughton, was handed the ban after appearing for sentencing at Wigan Magistrates Court on 15 January following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. She had pleaded guilty to one Animal Welfare Act offence at an earlier hearing in October.
The court was told that RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Jess Pierce had gone to Conway’s house on 14 May last year after the charity had received reports about a dog with a skin issue. In her written evidence to the court the RSPCA officer said: “I saw a female crossbreed dog named Harley in the living room with a coat covering most of her body. However, even with the coat on, I could see she had quite a significant skin issue. I could smell a strong yeasty smell and I saw she had thickened skin and fur loss.
“I asked Ms Conway to take the coat off Harley and she pulled the back up. I could then see the dog was mainly bald along her back. The skin appeared thickened and black and reminded me of rhino skin. I asked if Harley had been to a vet and the owner stated she hadn’t as she couldn’t afford it but she showed me some treatments she had brought.”
It was explained to Conway that the RSPCA had serious concerns about Harley’s condition and she agreed to let the officer take her to a vet for treatment. She was asked if she wanted to sign her over to the RSPCA, to which she initially agreed, but then said she wanted to wait to see what the vet had to say.
The court was told that Harley was immediately taken to a local veterinary practice. She was nervous and scared during examination and the vet who saw her said she believed an animal welfare offence had been committed. At that point Conway agreed to sign the dog over to the RSPCA and she was also advised that the matter would be investigated by the charity further.
In her written statement to the court the vet said Harley was suffering from a chronic bilateral ear infection which had caused inflammation and infection and was painful to the touch. She also had long-standing skin disease and had hair loss over her trunk, tail, head and limbs resulting in crusting, secondary thickening and itching.
The vet said: “Given the severity of Harley’s condition, in my opinion she will have suffered for four weeks as a minimum, likely longer. The ear infections will have caused her pain and discomfort. They had multiple, chronic secondary changes including the thickening of ear flaps and narrowing of canals which confirm she had been struggling with ear disease for a period of several weeks.
“This would have caused her constant irritation and would have made it difficult for her to settle and rest comfortably. She was scratching behind her ears causing self trauma and getting no relief, contributing to both physical and mental suffering.
By failing to present her to a veterinary surgeon with these symptoms, the owner has caused unnecessary suffering to Harley. Regardless of the cause of the chronic ear and skin disease and whether treatable or not, veterinary treatment should have been sought much earlier in this case.”
Harley’s claws were clipped and she was dematted and started on treatment but given a very guarded prognosis by the vet. Several weeks later her condition had not improved, both ears were still inflamed and there were ongoing concerns about blood in her urine. The vet said her health issues were chronic and she recommended that Harley was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
Conway was interviewed by the RSPCA about what had happened. She said she had purchased shampoo and a new bed for Harley as she thought it might be dust mites. She had treated her skin with oil and had tried to look in the dog’s ears but she wouldn’t let her lift them up. She said Harley didn’t show any pain and had always been a ‘calm and ‘relaxed’ dog, but she admitted she should have done more to help her.
As well as a five year ban on keeping animals, magistrates also imposed a 12 month community order and ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days. Conway was also told to pay £541.50 in costs and a £40 fine.
