A Wirral woman has been disqualified from keeping pets for 10 years after leaving her Tibetan terrier with an untreated ear tumour.
Zoe Cook was handed a suspended three-month prison sentence at Wirral Magistrates’ Court after failing to seek veterinary care for her pet Millie.
She pleaded guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to the 11-year-old dog whose chronic ear condition which ultimately led to her death.
Cook, 55, was also forced to pay £400 in costs in the case brought after a member of the public who was concerned for Millie’s welfare contacted the RSPCA.
Anthony Joynes, the inspector who responded to the call, said: “Poor Millie was left with a horrendous tumour that spanned the entire length of the ear canal and had come onto the side of the face.
“The moment I saw her I sadly knew the likely outcome was going to be one of preventing her from suffering any further.
“It may well have been a different outcome if the owner had sorted the necessary care she needed.
“Millie must have been in great pain and discomfort – this was one of the worst untreated ear conditions I’ve come across in almost eight years at the RSPCA.”
Cook had taken Millie to the vets in January and received two weeks’ worth of treatment but the dog was never taken back when requested a fortnight later.
As a result of the neglect, Millie’s condition was so severe that a vet decided she should be put to sleep to end her suffering.
“Millie’s entire ear canal was filled with pus and infection, the smell was overwhelming,” added Joynes.
“This case illustrates how important it is for owners to ensure that any symptoms of ill health are identified and appropriate veterinary treatment sought.
“In this case, Millie was failed by her owner and endured a prolonged period of unnecessary suffering which is wholly unacceptable.”