Ban for Batley dog owners who failed to get treatment for sick pet

At one point, Storm was found being kept in the yard at a property in Batley, the RSPCA said

A mother and son have been banned from keeping animals after admitting failing to get dental treatment for their dog suffering from "painful" disease.

Michelle and Ethan Lee Farrar also pleaded guilty to failing to provide a suitable environment for their dog, Storm, at a house in Batley.

Storm had been kept in "dangerous" and filthy conditions, the RSPCA said.

Michelle Farrar was banned from keeping animals for two years, while Ethan Lee Farrar was banned for five years.

Bradford Magistrates Court had earlier heard that in October 2022, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Rebecca Goulding had visited a property in Oakhill Road, Batley, to check on the welfare of Storm and a puppy called Rain.

The visit was made following complaints that the dogs were living in unsuitable conditions at the house.

The animals were found found to be living in a "faeces-strewn and dangerous" environment, the RSPCA said.

Ms Goulding said: "The stench of urine and faeces that could be smelt from outside the property, combined with the filthy windows and stained curtains, suggested conditions inside were not suitable for the dogs.

"The living room appeared in complete disarray and all surfaces were covered in faeces."

The property in Oakhill Road was found to be "faeces-strewn and dangerous", the RSPCA said

The court heard that Ms Goulding advised Michelle and Ethan Lee Farrar that the condition of the house at Oakhill Road was unsuitable for the dogs and that improvements must be made otherwise they would have to be removed from there.

The officer made "many" unsuccessful attempts to revisit the property, but Michelle Farrar eventually agreed to sign the puppy over to the RSPCA and move Storm to an address in Ealand Road, Dewsbury.

Michelle Farrar was warned against the dog being returned to Oakhill Road, unless significant improvements were made to that property.

However, a month later Ms Goulding discovered that Storm was once again back at the house in Batley, this time outside in the yard, sparking a renewed warning that the dog could be removed.

In February 2023, another RSPCA inspector found Storm, now looking "very thin", remained at the house and was seen sitting on a faeces-covered window ledge.

As a result, Storm was taken into the care of the RSPCA and was thoroughly examined by a vet and treatment was started.

'Sad case'

Vet Dr Sean Taylor, an expert witness for the prosecution, told the court that the evidence indicated that Storm had a 1.2in (3cm) lesion on her tongue and was also suffering from dental disease.

He added this would likely have caused her to experience pain, adding that the condition had been present for some time.

Storm was rehomed by the RSPCA, but was later diagnosed with cancer.

At Bradford Magistrates' Court on 18 April, Michelle Farrar, of Ealand Road, Dewsbury, was banned from keeping animals for two years and given a 12-month Community Order.

She was also ordered to pay costs of £400 and a Victim Surcharge of £114.

Meanwhile, Ethan Lee Farrar was banned from keeping animals for five years and was also given a 12-month Community Order, while also being ordered to pay costs of £400 and a Victim Surcharge of £114.

Speaking after sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Demi Hodby said: "This was a sad case and Storm's suffering could have easily been avoided."