Pair banned as dog found in 'appalling condition'

Lhasa Apso dog Sade, 13, had to be euthanised by a vet after being neglected by her owners

A mother and daughter have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after their severely matted Lhasa Apso dog had to be euthanised.

Candice Dakota Taylor, 24, of Southcliff in Kirton Lindsey, and Diane Mary Higson, 58, of Selby Court in Scunthorpe, pleaded guilty to failing to protect the animal from pain, suffering, injury or disease at Grimsby Magistrates' Court on Friday 22 August.

The pair both said they had mental health issues and that they had not realised the animal was in pain.

Animal rescue officer Mollie Masters visited their previous property on Spencer Avenue, Scunthorpe, in 2024 following a report of a welfare concern and found 13-year-old Sade in an "appalling condition".

The RSPCA said the dog had a flea infestation, skin, eye and ear disease and was very underweight

Ms Masters said the animal's fur was "severely matted" and she was unable to see her face. Her tail was rock solid, she smelt strongly of urine and was covered in faeces, which was stuck to her matted fur.

The RSPCA said the dog also had a flea infestation, skin, eye and ear disease and was very underweight.

Ms Masters added: "Miss Taylor advised me that she couldn't take her to the groomers or the vets as Sade bites."

Taylor agreed for the RSPCA to take Sade to a vet, where she was quite aggressive and due to severe matting around her mouth, the vets were unable to put a muzzle on her.

Animal rescue officer Mollie Masters said the animal's fur was severely matted and her tail was rock solid

The vet also found that she had pieces of wire and chewing gum embedded into the matted fur on her stomach, as well as numerous lumps, which were suspected to be tumours around her stomach and back.

Due to the severity of her condition, it was decided that the kindest thing to do would be to put her to sleep to end her suffering.

Taylor was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a £120 fine.

Higson was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, including five rehabilitation activity requirement days and was also ordered to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work.

Her ban on keeping all animals for 10 years includes her current pets - a cat and a dog - who will be removed by the RSPCA for rehoming.

Insp Natalie Hill, who investigated for the RSPCA, said: "This was a very sad outcome for a dog who had clearly been severely neglected.

"There is no excuse for letting your dog get into such a sorry state."

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