Animal ban for couple who left dogs without water

A couple who kept their malnourished dog locked in cage without access to water have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Amy Haddow, 32, and Michael Kinloch, 30, pleaded guilty to an animal offence of failing to meet the needs of their pets.

Their dogs Stitch, a French bulldog, and Teddy, a Cane Corso who has since been put to sleep, were so malnourished during a visit by the RSPCA that their bones were visible through their fur.

Haddow and Kinloch, of Upjohn Crescent in Bristol, were also sentenced to a 12-month community order when they appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court on 16 February. The couple have appealed their sentence.

WARNING: This article contains details that some may find distressing.

Stitch had been found by the RSPCA inside a cage with urine soaked bedding and no access to water. His spine, ribs and hip bones were visible through his fur.

Teddy, who was in the bedroom, was also very thin with bones visible. Like Stitch, he had no access to water.

RSPCA inspector Dan Hatfield said: "As I walked into the flat, I could smell urine and faeces and the hallway and stairs were covered in what appeared to be smeared faeces which had ingrained into the wooden floor."

A vet who examined the dogs immediately after their rescue found them to be severely underweight "likely due to chronic malnutrition over an extended period of time".

Stitch was rehomed while Teddy, unable to recover, has been put to sleep.

Hatfield added: "Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege - and ensuring an appropriate diet is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them."

As part of their sentence, Haddow must carry out 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, while Kinloch must carry out 80 hours unpaid work. They must both pay £100 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

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