A woman in Chesterfield received a ban and suspended sentence for neglecting her dog’s painful eye condition.
The court heard the RSPCA visited Mason’s flat on April 23rd last year. A vet saw Chase a month before. He diagnosed severe entropion affecting both eyes. He needed surgery quickly.
The RSPCA inspector gave her statement, accompanied by police officers. The hallway was dark and reeked of urine. The lounge was dirty, looking uncleaned for a while.
The inspector looked closely at Chase. Fur was missing from his tail, back, and legs. His tail skin was thick. His right eye had discharge and cherry eye, appearing red and sore.
Chase did not get surgery or pain relief, only eye drops. He last saw a vet on March 22nd. The inspector asked Mason to sign Chase over, but she refused. The inspector would take the dog, a vet would check him for suffering, following the Animal Welfare Act.
Mason said Chase did not suffer because he saw a vet already. The inspector said he needed more help, medicine or surgery, but he didn’t get them.
The RSPCA issued warnings for Chase’s issues, including his skin and nails. Assistance vouchers covered vet costs. The RSPCA offered to rehome him, but Mason turned down all offers.
A vet examined Chase after his removal and confirmed he suffered unnecessarily. He suffered for over six months with his skin, ears, and eyes. The vet cited severe bilateral entropion and the owner’s failure to get medical help.
Chase received antibiotics and steroids, and vets treated his ears and skin issues. The RSPCA paid for his eye surgery. The vet testified in court, describing the dog’s painful eye problem. Sharp Pei breeds often get turned-in eyelids.
Hairs rubbing the eye causes irritation and can damage the cornea painfully. Ulcers can scar the cornea over time. Chase had corneal scarring. Untreated irritation can cause vision loss, and severe ulcers risk eye rupture.
The court called it a serious crime that went on for a long time. Mason got an 18-week suspended sentence. She pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.
Mason cannot appeal the ban for ten years. The court ordered 100 hours of unpaid work. She must also pay £400 and a £154 surcharge.
Mason’s lawyer said she left the flat, and Chase lived with another person. She visited him infrequently and was remorseful. She cannot afford future pets.