A woman faces a pet ban and suspended sentence after her dog was neglected, leading to euthanasia.
Lucas, a 15-year-old Labrador, could barely stand up. Vets gave Lucas a body score of one out of nine; he was severely underweight. The yard had rubbish and dog poop everywhere, and brown sludge covered the area near the door.
Lisa Leach was banned from owning animals for ten years. On January 20, she got an 18-week suspended jail sentence, suspended for 12 months. She admitted to two animal welfare offenses.
RSPCA Inspector Karl Marston spoke in court, expressing his concern about Lucas’s poor condition. He noted that Lucas was very thin, even with a thick coat, and his ribs and hip bones stuck out. Lucas seemed wet and unsteady when he walked.
Lucas lived in a messy garden and was very underweight. He also had trouble standing, and the vet discovered he was emaciated, giving him a very low body condition score. Due to his condition, they helped him pass away.
Inspector Marston stated that Lucas needed Leach’s help, compassionate care, and kindness. Instead, he suffered without the vet care he needed. Marston emphasized that dogs experience pain like people do.
He said dogs always deserve kindness. If you can’t care for a pet, ask for help—contact a charity or organization. Never ignore an animal that needs help. Leach must also pay £800 plus a £154 victim surcharge.
