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RSPCA – Woman who left dog unattended in hazardous conditions given life ban

RSPCA – Woman who left dog unattended in hazardous conditions given life ban

A Southend woman who left her shar pei dog Beretta at home without food and water and in unhygienic and hazardous conditions for three weeks last Christmas has been given a life ban on keeping animals.

Holly Berkeley, aged 20, formerly of Chinchilla Road, was accused of failing to take steps to ensure that the needs of the female dog were met.

Berkeley appeared before Southend Magistrates’ Court today (Thurs), when she admitted four charges under the Animal Welfare Act.

She told the court that she was fleeing a violent relationship with her children but failed to tell anyone in the refuge that she went to that she had left her four year old dog behind.

She was given a life ban on keeping animals which she cannot appeal for ten years, ordered to pay £1,200 costs and given a 12 month community service order.

RSPCA inspector Matt Gough said: “Beretta was in a pitiable state when she was found. Her owner had many chances to ask for help for her dog but she did not do so.

“Even in the most difficult circumstances there is help available. It isn’t acceptable to leave an animal to suffer like this.

“We would much rather intervene at an early stage if people are struggling to cope, to ensure the welfare of all concerned.”

A good new home has now been found for Beretta and she is recovering from her ordeal.

The RSPCA runs a pet fostering service, PetRetreat, which looks after cats and dogs belonging to victims of domestic abuse.

Three months ago we launched an appeal for more cat fosterers in Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire, South Wales and the Midlands.

We have seen annual increases in the demand for the PetRetreat Service and have been handling nearly 100 calls a week from victims of domestic abuse.

ENDS

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