A London woman has been banned from keeping dogs for 10 years after her Pomeranian pooch Munchkin was found severely underweight and in a collapsed state.
Lisa Radford (DOB 8/5/1986), of Crown Road, Sutton, pleaded guilty to an Animal Welfare Act offence. She admitted failing to meet the needs of her dog, following the prosecution brought by the RSPCA.
Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard that on 2 February this year, RSPCA officers were called to investigate by a Sutton vet amid concerns about Munchkin, who had been brought to the clinic earlier that day.
Four-year-old Munchkin was collapsed and severely underweight, with prominent ribs, hips and spine visible, as well as significant fur loss around her rear end. The vet who examined Munchkin reported that Radford told her “she had no concerns about Munchkin’s eating or drinking habits but always thought she was naturally thin”.
Munchkin weighed just 800g (1.8lb) – around the weight of a loaf of bread. A healthy adult Pomeranian should weigh between 1.36 – 3.18kg (3 – 7lbs).
In a statement to the court, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Louis Horton said: “Munchkin was very underweight. Her hips and ribs were very prominent – I could feel every rib bone – and she was extremely nervous.
“The vet told me that Munchkin was so lifeless on arrival, she initially thought she was dead.”
Munchkin was seized by the Metropolitan Police and taken into RSPCA care at the animal welfare charity’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital, where she received a proper diet and veterinary treatment. She gained 60% of her body weight within a month but sadly, never made a full recovery – and due to a collapsing trachea, was sadly euthanised to prevent suffering.
After Radford pleaded guilty at the hearing on 30 October, on top of a 10-year ban on keeping dogs, magistrates imposed a 12-month medium-level community order, including 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and a fine of £80. Radford was also ordered to pay £234 in costs.
In mitigation, the court heard that Radford had recently suffered the loss of her mother, was caring full-time for her youngest child with complex needs and had expressed remorse for her actions.
Following the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Leanna Hone said: “This case is a stark reminder of the welfare problems that can occur when animals’ basic needs are not met. We urge anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare to contact the RSPCA immediately.”
Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal can report it to the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 or visit the RSPCA website for advice and support.
