A woman from South London has been banned from keeping any animal for five years after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an elderly dog in her care.

Charlene Grant (dob unknown) of Yorkshire Road, Mitcham, Greater London was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on 23 March 2023 for failing to seek veterinary treatment for the animal’s poor bodily condition, obvious mammary disease and leg swelling.

As well as a five year disqualification, the defendant was ordered to complete a 100 hour community order within twelve months and to pay £500 in costs.

RSPCA inspector Natalie Kitchin visited the defendant’s home in March 2022 following a report from a concerned member of the public. She found Hera, a tan female Mastiff type dog, very thin with mobility problems and one leg painful to the touch. The elderly dog also had three large mammary tissue masses.

In her witness statement, Inspector Kitchin said that Hera “was very thin, her hips, ribs and spine were easily seen. She had a pendulous lump hanging between her rear legs and her right hind leg appeared to be swollen ….. I asked her when (Hera) was last seen by a vet and she told me that it was over a year ago.”

The defendant told Inspector Kitchin that there was confusion about who should care for the dog between her and Hera’s previous keeper – and that she thought she could not take the dog to the vet herself as the microchip was not in her name.

Inspector Kitchin continued: “She told me that she could not take the dog to the vet as the microchip was not in her name. I told her this was unacceptable and that under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 she was legally responsible for ensuring that an animal in her care was not suffering. I told her that if she had taken Hera to any vet given her body condition, it was unlikely they would have turned her away.”

Hera was signed over to the RSPCA and taken to the charity’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital. On examination, the vet reported that Hera had multiple masses on her mammaries and a very swollen and puss filled right hind leg. She added that the elderly dog had very thickened elbows, severe arthritis and very swollen lymph nodes. She estimated that Hera would have been suffering for at least a couple of months but probably longer and sadly, to end her suffering, the kindest option was for the dog to be put to sleep on humane grounds.

Addressing the defendant during the hearing, the judge said “Hera was your dog. You had her for some time by the time of this offence. Her welfare was your responsibility, it did not matter whose name was in the chip. You did not prioritise her welfare. The dog suffered and was put to sleep on March 24 last year. In the run up to that period, I am satisfied you failed to get Hera to the vet. You knew where to go if needed. You did not take her on March 22 because you said you were going away.”

Inspector Kitchin concluded: “This was a tragic case and simply shouldn’t have happened. The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to take care of their pet to ask for help, rather than neglecting them and leaving them to suffer.”