A bull terrier cross named Bear died after being left alone in a property with no access to food. The RSPCA brought the case after discovering that Bear had been abandoned for a prolonged period, during which he slowly starved.
Edwards pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under the Animal Welfare Act.
The court heard that she had left the home to stay with her mother, saying she had “hit rock bottom” and was struggling with her mental health.
RSPCA Inspector Claire Davey said Bear would have spent his final days frightened, alone, and starving, describing the case as “heart‑breaking” and urging anyone struggling with pet care to seek help from the RSPCA or other welfare charities before an animal suffers.
Sentenced to nine‑month prison term (suspended for 18 months), 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 RAR days, £537 in costs and surcharge (repayable in instalments). 15‑year animal ban, expiring 2041.