Dog owner banned from keeping dogs for two years
Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC) has prosecuted an individual for offences relating to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Sarah Poppleton, from Drybrook, failed to attend court on the 30th June 2021 to answer charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, but the case was heard and proven in her absence.
Appearing at Cheltenham Magistrates court today for sentencing, Sarah Poppleton was disqualified from keeping or looking after dogs for two years and ordered to pay a total of £707 in fines and costs after being found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog named Tilly.
The prosecution was undertaken by Forest of Dean District Council’s Legal Services team working with the Council’s Street Wardens Team and Counter Fraud Unit (CFU).
Tilly, a female border collie, was originally signed over by Sarah Poppleton to the Forest of Dean Dog Rescue, who later notified the Street Warden Team of the condition of the dog. Tilly was found to be in poor condition with an overwhelming smell coming from her mouth, crawling with fleas and it was noted she was critically overweight. After receiving veterinary care, Tilly underwent urgent dental work, requiring 20 teeth to be extracted. It later transpired that Ms Poppleton was advised 12 months prior to the surrendering of Tilly that dental work was required, but failed to take steps to seek veterinary attention and this delay would have caused suffering to the dog. Ms Poppleton did show remorse at sentencing and provided an explanation at court in which she explained she had changes in her personal circumstances which had significantly contributed to her ability to care for the dog.
Forest of Dean District Council’s Animal Welfare Member Champion, Councillor Nicky Packer said:
"It is very sad that poor Tilly has suffered such neglect. Sometimes owners can't manage their pet's needs, or the neglect is due to other problems in the owner's life. A dog is totally dependent on their owner and will suffer the consequences if their owner can't cope. Giving a dog up for rehoming is not something to do lightly because it causes a dog distress but I would urge people to do so if they cannot meet the dog's needs.
“"Most importantly, people should think long and hard before buying a dog as to whether they can provide for it adequately, especially if it develops health problems in future."
Members of the public can contact the team with any concerns about animal welfare by email [email protected] or the CFU by email at [email protected]