Pet owners banned for owning animals for 10 YEARS after dog found with burns

Victoria Hollinshead and Neil Hough's pet greyhound Red had cigarette burns all over its body, magistrates heard.

Hollinshead, aged 33, and Hough, 38, both of The Uplands, in Great Haywood, appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court charged with one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and two of failing to meet the needs of an animal for which they were responsible.

The court heard how RSPCA officer Mark Crutchley visited Hollinshead and Hough three times while they were living in Stafford Road, Cannock, in late-2015.

The officer reported that their dog had extensive fur loss to its rear. He was also concerned about its weight.

A social worker then visited the defendants and expressed concerns about the greyhound. The court heard the animal was taken away by the social worker and the RSPCA arranged a visit to a vet.

An examination revealed a series of small circular burn-like lesions on the animal, and it weighed 21kg when the norm was 25kg to 26kg.

Roger Price, prosecuting, said: "The burn marks are consistent with cigarette burns. She (the vet) concludes that the dog has suffered by the very state of its bodily condition."

Hollinshead blamed the dog's fur loss on a food allergy and said lesions on his body had been caused by the pet falling down the stairs. She also claimed that her care for the animal was 'adequate' and that he was fed at least twice every day.

The pair were not legally represented but a probation worker told the court Hollinshead had been diagnosed with bi polar disorder and had not been taking her medication at the time of the offences between November 23 and December 23, 2015.

She said there were discrepancies in Hollilnshead's account and that the defendant was currently attending a course to control her heroin misuse.

Defending herself in court on Thursday, Hollinshead said: "I'd love to have animals again. I absolutely adored that dog and I'm glad he's safe now."

Hough said in a statement: "I failed to protect the dog and for that I'm regretful."

The pair were each handed a fine of £180, ordered to pay a £60 surcharge and £250 costs.

They were also given an 18-month community order each, including a 30-day rehabilitation activity period.