Separating Wirral couple banned from owning animals after badly neglecting dog

Sep 12 2012 by Helen Hunt, Heswall News

A COUPLE who left their dog in such a poor condition when they split up that it could hardly stand were banned from owning animals for 10 years.

Daisy Thomas, 18, of Briardale Road, Birkenhead, and Dean Byrne, 21, of Staplehurst Drive, Birkenhead, admitted they had neglected their pet Staffordshire bull terrier Haize.

They pleaded guilty to three offences under the animal welfare act at an earlier hearing and last week were sentenced for causing the dog “unnecessary suffering”.

Magistrates in Wirral gave them both a 12 month community supervision order, including 100 hours unpaid work, and ordered them to pay £300 costs. In addition they were banned from owning all animals for at least 10 years.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes was in court and said he was “appalled” at their behaviour and warned others who fail in their duty of care to animals that they will be prosecuted.

Haize has now been rehomed and is starting a new life with a new name, Ruby.

Thomas and Byrne pleaded guilty to three allegations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The offences took place between March 8 and March 15, 2012, at an address on Briardale Road.