Dogs left to die in home after owner moved out

One dog was found alive inside the home, the RSPCA said

A woman has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after abandoning her dogs in a home when she moved out.

An RSPCA officer found two dead dogs and a third still alive at the Wolverhampton home of Courtney Martin after she had left the property - a member of the public went on to raise concerns about them.

There was no food or water in the "dirty and cluttered premises" which was also covered with dog faeces, the animal charity said.

Martin, 28, admitted two animal welfare offences and was given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £400 costs by magistrates in Birmingham.

The RSPCA officer visited the address in Burleigh Road, Wolverhampton after being alerted that the dogs had been left unattended for a long period of time.

The landlord of the property was contacted and gave the officer access to the property after barking was heard from inside.

A male dog was found dead in the garden and a female in the living room, the charity said.

"The deceased dog discovered inside the home had a body condition score of just one out of nine and was emaciated," a spokesperson said.

"She had bruising and puncture wounds on her head and neck, consistent with dog bites."

'No thought for them'

The deceased male dog found outside was also emaciated, although his state of decomposition made it difficult to confirm his cause or time of death, the charity added.

"A vet who examined the dogs said in their report that the dogs did not have their needs met, specifically regarding suitable diet, environment, natural needs, companionship, and protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease," the spokesperson added.

Martin said she was sorry for failing to make proper arrangements for the dogs and at the time was experiencing personal challenges.

RSPCA inspector Ben Jones, who investigated the case, said after the sentencing on 22 August: "These dogs were seemingly left behind without a second thought for their welfare.

"Instead of asking for help with the dogs after leaving the address, they were simply left to die."