Breeders Banned for 20 Years After German Shepherd Dies Following ‘Prolonged’ Birth

Dog breeders have received a 20-year prohibition from keeping animals after a German shepherd died following a “prolonged” birth. Grzegoraz Zareba, 52, of Sunnybank Court in Frome, Somerset, and Anna Bitner, 49, of Coronation Road, Frome, entered guilty pleas to animal welfare offences at Bath Magistrates Court. The RSPCA stated that the two individuals allowed the dog, named Ira, to develop sepsis. Patrick Bailey, an RSPCA inspector, commented, “It is another sad example where money and profit appears to have been put before welfare and in doing so cost Ira her life.” Mr Bailey further added, “The couple’s decision not to seek veterinary treatment at any stage, even at the point when they felt Ira had developed an infection and did appear to be unwell, is completely unacceptable.” Charity workers initiated an investigation in January after being contacted by a vet, to whom Zareba and Bitner had presented a deceased dog. The pair informed the vet that Ira had commenced labour on Friday evening, delivering three puppies, of which two survived, and then her labour ceased. However, a post-mortem examination revealed that she had not passed all of her puppies and died from sepsis resulting from internal bleeding. Zareba and Bitner claimed Ira was well until Monday evening, when she suddenly appeared unwell, but they failed to seek veterinary care. Ira died on Tuesday morning. Mr Bailey, who investigated the incident, stated: “It is so upsetting to think about how she must have been feeling, emotionally and physically, as she endured such a prolonged, painful labour whilst she struggled to try and give birth, only to become fatally injured internally through her efforts.” The puppies were subsequently found to be advertised for £1,000 each, which Mr Bailey remarked “speaks volumes about the incentive for ensuring their survival.” The pair were sentenced on 30 October.