Pet-owners banned for neglecting dogs

A man and a woman from Hull have been banned from keeping dogs for 10 years after neglecting three pets.

Stephen Lockham, 61, of 34th Avenue, and Brenda Scarah, 63, of Appleton Road, pleaded guilty to two charges contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

A lurcher-type dog called Storm was found emaciated and covered in urine, the RSPCA said. Two others, a Pomeranian cross called Socks and a Jack Russell terrier called Troy, had not been given treatment for severe flea allergies.

Lockham and Scarah were sentenced at Hull Magistrates' Court on 10 March.

Storm and Troy recovered and were rehomed. However, Socks had to be put to sleep after its heath deteriorated, the charity added.

RSPCA Inspector Natalie Hill, who led the investigation, said: "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."

Magistrates sentenced Lockham to a 12-month community order with a requirement to carry out 15 rehabilitation 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 a victim surcharge of £80.

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