A Cumbrian man and a woman have been banned from keeping animals for five years after they admitted causing the unnecessary suffering of a dog in their care.
Anya Shears, 23, and Tyler Thornton, 25, both of Carleton Hall Walk, Penrith, failed to care for the dog at their property, Carlisle Magistrates Court heard yesterday.
On June 24 last year, police officers attended Shears’ property and noticed a large dog in the living room.
Officers noted that there was bare flooring, a dirty dog’s bed with no stuffing and dog faeces all over the floor.
They suspected the dog was being neglected and revisited the address on the following day.
Shears and Thornton were arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog.
A search of the property founf a large, emaciated dog inside the property living in just one room with no furniture, carpets or proper food.
Cumbria police said: “It was clear Shears and Thornton were living upstairs in the property and were not providing sufficient care for the animal.”
The dog was taken to a kennels where he was examined by a vet who found him to be in very poor condition and severely underweight – almost to the point of anorexic – with overgrown nails and matted, patchy fur.
The dog was put to sleep in July.
Shears and Thornton were given an eight-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, alongside the five-year- ban and were also sentenced for a possession of cannabis offence.
PC Stewart Green, of Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was an awful and shocking case of animal neglect.
“Shears and Thornton failed a dog in their care, leaving him unsocialised, unexercised, hungry and dirty.
“I hope this goes to show just how seriously we take cases of animal cruelty and neglect, and we will always strive to bring offenders before the courts.”
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