Couple banned from keeping pets after dog put down

A couple have been convicted of animal cruelty and banned from keeping pets for 10 years after allowing their elderly Labrador to suffer to the extent she had to be put down.

Michelle Powell, 38 and her husband Daniel Powell, 42, from Bridgwater were convicted after an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. Their pet Daisy was found with a large neck wound and numerous untreated health problems.

The RSPCA's Inspector Jo Daniel said: "Daisy was very subdued. She did not respond until I stroked her and her left eye appeared sore and had a purulent discharge."

The neck wound had a thick yellow discharge and the fur around it was discoloured as was the fur on her forelegs.

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Insp Daniel also found Daisy's nails were very overgrown, her teeth were heavily stained and she had a mammary tumour and a hard mass behind her left ear.

"The dog was very thin, with prominent ribs and body," she added.

Daisy had a neck wound that had not been treated for over a year.

The couple said her neck wound had been present for around a year and that she had not seen a vet for around three years.

Daisy was taken into the care of the RSPCA and was rushed for urgent veterinary treatment. But due to the severity of her injuries she was put to sleep after two days in hospital.

The Powells were both given a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for one year.

They were also ordered to do 10 days of 'rehab' and pay costs of £250 each and given a 10-year animal ban which they can appeal after seven years.