Councillor caused unnecessary suffering to pet dog

Zoe Marlow was given a six-month community order at Manchester Magistrates' Court

A councillor caused "unnecessary suffering" to her pet dog before it had to be put to sleep, a court heard.

Zoe Marlow, 41, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal - her 15-year-old pet dog Laney - while serving as a Green Party councillor representing part of Wythenshawe on Manchester City Council.

Marlow, of Wythenshawe, was handed a six-month community order and ordered to pay a £120 fine and to undertake five Rehabilitation Activity Requirements days.

At Manchester Magistrates' Court, she was also banned from keeping a dog for five years. A previous hearing was told the RSPCA visited her home after a tip-off and found Laney with "prominent bones" and muscle wastage.

'Incredibly difficult period'

Marlow, elected to the Woodhouse Park ward just weeks before her conviction in early September, said in a statement to the court: "I deeply regret what happened, and I take full responsibility for the mistakes I made during an incredibly difficult period of my life.

"Since then, I have worked hard to turn my life around, dedicating myself to my community and supporting others in hardship.

"I am grateful that the court recognised the progress I've made and allowed me the chance to continue contributing positively to my community."

She said her focus now was "looking forward and working to serve the people of Woodhouse Park with honesty, empathy, and determination".

The charity, which went to Marlow's home in August 2023, said the pet "was severely emaciated, very weak, unable to stand up properly and was falling over due to muscle wastage".

"Her prominent bones were evident even from a distance," it added.

"In addition, she had laboured breathing, an ulcerated mass on her left hip, wobbliness and difficulty moving around."

The vet who examined Laney estimated her deterioration "likely occurred over a minimum period of two weeks".

Continuing as councillor

After the examination, the decision was made to put Laney to sleep to stop her suffering further.

Marlow was also ordered to pay £2,600 in prosecution costs to the RSPCA, along with a victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £97.

Manchester City Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Marlow would not be stripped of her seat, as her conviction was a community sentence, rather than a custodial term.

The LDRS said it understood Marlow would also continue sitting as a Green Party councillor.

A Green Party source said Marlow "really tried everything to help" and was now "giving back to the community" and working as a food bank manager.

"The Green Party stands against animal cruelty and for the welfare of animals," they added.