A woman faces a 15-year animal ownership ban after her dog was euthanized due to severe neglect and starvation
Willenhall: A woman named Colleen Rathbone has been banned from having pets for 15 years after her dog, Mo, was found in a terrible state. The poor pup had to be put down because of severe neglect.
Colleen, 31, got a suspended four-month prison sentence after admitting to two animal welfare charges. Mo, her 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was taken to the vet in March last year, and it was clear he was in dire condition.
The vet had to make the tough call to euthanize Mo, citing prolonged neglect. They noted that Mo was emaciated and had been suffering for quite some time. It was heartbreaking to hear that he weighed only 8.6 kg when he should have been around 18.5 kg.
Colleen claimed that the dark discharge around Mo’s rear was from dragging him, but the vet found that wasn’t true. Instead, it pointed to serious health issues. The vet said Mo had been left outside and was cold to the touch, which was just awful.
According to the vet, Colleen failed to provide the care Mo needed, leading to unnecessary suffering. She was also ordered to pay costs and complete 25 rehabilitation days. The RSPCA inspector involved in the case expressed how sad it was that Mo had to endure such pain without any veterinary help.
