Individuals prohibited from animal ownership after dog’s untreated scald injuries

Two individuals have been prohibited from owning animals after a dog under their care suffered from scald injuries caused by hot water. When discovered by the RSPCA in Somerset, Missy was observed to have a significant, weeping, and untreated burn resulting from hot water. Jordan Allen and Paisley Farthing, Missy’s previous owners, admitted guilt to the charge of causing unnecessary suffering. This plea followed Allen’s assertion that Missy had knocked over a cup of hot water while he was preparing tea. Daniel Hatfield, an inspector for the RSPCA, urged pet owners facing difficulties in caring for their animals to seek assistance from charitable organizations. Rather than obtaining veterinary care for Missy, the pair followed treatment recommendations from an acquaintance, allowing her to endure weeping, pus-filled wounds across sections of her back, shoulders, and neck. Upon Missy’s examination by veterinarians nine days subsequent to the incident, her injuries were described as “well established,” presenting with pus-like discharge, fur loss, and areas of dry scabbing. According to the veterinary report, the pattern of Missy’s scalds was deemed “not consistent” with Allen’s account of the dog leaping at the work surface and dislodging a mug containing boiling water. The report further stated: “In my opinion the needs of Missy were not met to the extent required by good practice due to the persons responsible for the welfare of this animal failing to seek prompt veterinary advice after becoming aware that the dog had been scalded by boiling water, thereby failing to protect this animal from pain and suffering.” Allen, aged 24 and of no fixed abode, along with Farthing, aged 32 and residing at Park Drive, Bruton, were subject to investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. Allen received a 10-year prohibition on owning any animals, whereas Farthing was forbidden from keeping dogs for a period of five years. Daniel Hatfield, the RSPCA investigator, commented: “Owning an animal is a privilege and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.” He added: “If any pet owner is struggling to care for their animal we’d encourage them to reach out to a charity or organisation who can help.” Information on BBC Somerset can be found on Facebook and X. Story ideas may be sent via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details regarding its approach to external linking are available.