On February 8, 2025,, Whitechurch brought Leo to a veterinary practice in a severely emaciated state. He weighed just 3.34kg and had a body condition score of just one out of nine.
A vet confirmed Leo was also suffering from hypothermia and described him as being in a life-threatening condition due to prolonged starvation.
An expert witness vet reported: “Leo presented in a life-threatening condition consistent with prolonged nutritional deprivation. It’s possible he had also been left outside in cold weather, contributing to his critical hypothermia. His emaciation, blood abnormalities, and musculoskeletal underdevelopment suggest long-term undernourishment. He was at immediate risk of death and unlikely to have survived without urgent intervention.”
Whitechurch told the vet she had been in hospital and was unable to care for Leo. The vet expressed concerns about her ability to meet the dog’s ongoing welfare needs.
RSPCA Inspector Shahnaz Ahmed, who led the investigation, visited Leo at the vets on 20 February. She said in her statement: “He was bright, alert and mobile, and his body condition had clearly improved since he was first brought in – which was estimated at around three out of nine.”
Leo made a swift recovery under veterinary care, gaining 2kg in just ten days. He was taken into the care of the RSPCA, where he has since made a full recovery and has been rehomed.
In mitigation, the court heard that she had been experiencing health issues. However, on sentencing the judge said: “Leo did not end up in that condition in a short space of time according to the veterinary evidence, and you failed this animal despite your own personal problems.”
Sentenced – ordered to pay £500 in costs, a £120 fine, and a £48 victim surcharge. Disqualified from owning animals for five years (expires September 2030).