The owner of a dog found emaciated, filthy and living in squalor has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Katey Cammish, 35, from Scarborough, admitted neglecting the animal to the point it was discovered by police in an “appalling state”.
Officers rescued the lurcher-type dog when they attended the property on a separate matter.
They found the emaciated pet living in a kitchen covered in faeces and urine. It had no water, food or suitable bedding.
According to animal welfare experts, the smell would have been nauseating and distressing to the dog.
The desperately thirsty animal drank copious water after being rescued by police.
Her ribs, vertebrae and pelvic bones were clearly visible and after being checked over by a vet, she was given a body condition score of 2 out of 9.
Sentenced in court
Cammish claimed that she had left the dog in the care of someone else. She also told officers that the dog could not put weight on, however, once taken into the care of the RSPCA the dog quickly gained weight.
The dog is now thriving and is now in a loving home.
Cammish pleaded guilty last month to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act: failure to prevent unnecessary suffering to an animal and failure to ensure the needs of an animal.
Last week, she was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months by Scarborough Magistrates’ Court.
She was also disqualified from owning an animal for five years.
Inspector Geoff Edmond, RSPCA lead wildlife officer, said: “The police attended this address and found the dog in an appalling state, living in totally unsuitable conditions.
“The officers were very concerned and sought advice from us.
“The dog was immediately removed for her own safety and I would like to thank the police officers involved in this investigation who worked in partnership with the RSPCA to ensure she could receive the proper care and attention she needed.”
PC Sam Thompson, of Scarborough Response Team, seized the dog and led the investigation.
He said: “As a dog owner myself, I was horrified by the conditions of both the dog and its environment. I am so pleased that the dog is no longer suffering.
“There is simply no excuse for anybody to keep an animal in those conditions and this case should act as a reminder for all pet owners, they have a duty of care and responsibility towards their animals.”
A second person who cannot be named for legal reasons also pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act and was disqualified from owning an animal for five years.
Cammish was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation course and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £154 surcharge.
