Woman left her two dogs to suffer without vet care

An RSPCA officer said the lack of treatment given to Kasandra Benton's two dogs led to unnecessary suffering

A woman whose dogs were left to suffer without the veterinary care they needed has been banned from owning animals for 20 years.

Kasandra Benton, of Talke Road in Walsall, was sentenced to 26 weeks in custody, suspended for two years, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

The 37-year-old admitted to two animal welfare offences at Birmingham Magistrates' Court.

Two dogs, a chihuahua named Eddie and an Akita named Delta, were rescued from Benton’s home by the RSPCA after concerns were raised about their welfare, but Eddie had to be put down due to the severity of his condition.

'Unnecessary suffering'

The animal welfare charity said the pair had untreated injuries that were ignored by their owner, with neither receiving vet care.

Eddie had a large 8-10cm untreated ulcerated mass in his groin, while Delta was left to suffer with injuries after a fight with another dog.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Graeme Brookes, who visited Ms Benton's home, said Eddie's growth was "very large", which subsequently affected his ability to walk.

He also had a large open wound on top of the growth.

Mr Brookes said the lack of treatment had "led to unnecessary suffering".

Eddie's growth affected his ability to walk due to the chihuahua's small size, the RSPCA said

Delta had been kept locked in the kitchen with a large amount of faeces and urine.

"I could see she couldn't place her paw on the floor, hobbling significantly - also her hair was matted on the back," Mr Brookes said.

"I then noticed puncture marks on both her legs and the one she couldn't put down was significantly swollen.

"Many puncture wounds are often like the tip of the iceberg for dog bite injuries as the grip of the dog is maintained and they tear and rip the muscle and tissues below."

The RSPCA officer said a reasonable owner would have sought vet care for Delta's injuries after the fight.

Both dogs were taken to a vet who examined them and concluded they were suffering.

Eddie had to be put to sleep because of the severity of his condition, while Delta was placed in RSPCA care. She is now available to be rehomed.

As well as her 20-year animal ban and suspended prison sentence, Benton was ordered to carry out a maximum of 15 rehabilitation requirement activity days and pay £600 in costs and a £187 surcharge, when she was sentenced on 19 April.

Mr Brookes concluded: "Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment when they need it.

"Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy.

"Ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them."