Hull couple banned from keeping dogs for ten years
24.03.25
A couple from Hull have been fined and disqualified from keeping canines for ten years after causing unnecessary suffering to three dogs.
Both defendants were sentenced at Hull Magistrates Court on 10 March after previously pleading guilty to two charges contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
The court heard that a dog warden had visited Scarah's home on 5 March last year and saw Storm, a two-year lurcher-type dog, who was being kept in a filthy crate in the bedroom. The dog's rib, spine and hip bones were clearly visible and there was urine-stained fur on his limbs and sores on his back end.
An RSPCA officer was asked to attend and Storm was subsequently seized by the police because of concerns for his welfare and the dog was signed over into the charity's care by Lockham. Warning notices were also issued in respect of the living environment in relation to the 15-year-old Pomeranian cross called Socks, with the defendants being told they had a week to take him to a vet to get treatment for his skin condition.
A follow-up visit was carried out later that month at which point vast improvements had been made inside the house. The dog had seen a vet and a further appointment for more treatment at the PDSA was being sought.
The court heard that Storm - who was initially taken to a private boarding facility - weighed 14.3kg (31.52 pounds) when he was found but with the appropriate care, his weight had increased to 19.4kg (42.76 pounds) just ten days later.
In her written evidence to the court, the vet who examined him said: "He was clinically emaciated with a body condition score of 1/9 with all bony prominences showing and a significant loss of muscle mass. The dog had a strong smell of stale urine and faeces and all of his legs and parts of the side of his body were covered in dried urine.
"He had significant amounts of flea dirt present on him and live fleas were found during examination, he also had marked saliva staining where he had been licking himself, most likely from being irritated by the flea bites.
"I have found no medical reason why the dog would have been so emaciated, and given the rapid gain in condition with only the provision of basic care (flea, worming, vaccinating, appropriate housing and feeding), this would strongly imply that the lack of these provisions (either individual ones or a combination) was the cause for his condition."
The vet said she believed Storm had been suffering for a minimum period of four weeks, but "more long term, at a lower level," for several months.
The court heard that further welfare checks on Socks and a three to four-year-old Jack Russell Terrier called Troy, were carried out by the RSPCA. On 18 September Lockam and Scarah were issued with another warning notice by the charity in respect of the animals' skin conditions and were told to have them treated.
A week later the charity visited again with a dog warden. The animals were seized from the property after the couple had failed to take them for treatment within an agreed time frame and a vet who saw photographs certified they were suffering.
On examination she said both dogs had a severe flea allergy which had been left untreated, resulting in scabbing and large areas of alopecia.
Lockam was given a 12-month Community Order with a requirement to carry out 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days. He was also fined £40 and told to pay costs of £200 and a £114 victim surcharge. Scarah was fined £200 and ordered to pay costs of £200 and an £80 victim surcharge.
In mitigation, the court was told that Lockham lived at a different address but visited his partner regularly and had to accept that he was aware the dogs were unwell. He suffered from poor mental health and had shown a degree of remorse but had not deliberately harmed the dogs. He had taken one of them to a vet and although he could not afford treatment, he was aware of the welfare issues following the consultation.
Scarah's offending was described as "well-intended but incompetent care.” She had become "overwhelmed" following a series of personal matters and had no previous convictions. The court was told she was dealing with several medical issues including arthritis, sciatica and depression and her circumstances meant she would be unable to do a Community Order.
Storm made a full recovery and was rehomed by the RSPCA's Warrington, Halton & St Helens Branch. Troy was also adopted after he was cared for at the charity's Hull & East Riding Branch. Sadly elderly Socks' health deteriorated and he was put to sleep on veterinary advice with the consent of Scarah.
RSPCA Inspector Natalie Hill, who led the investigation, said: "This case highlights how important it is to make sure you are getting the basics right. This includes giving pets the correct food portions and regular preventative treatment for things like worms and fleas. Things can easily get out of hand and it's vitally important that people seek timely advice and support from their vet to ensure their pets remain happy and healthy.
"I'm so pleased that Storm and Troy have been adopted into loving homes and I'd like to thank everyone who assisted us in this investigation."
