❌DIANE HIGSON and CANDICE TAYLOR – SCUNTHORPE/GAINSBOROUGH❌

CONVICTED | Diane Higson, 58, from Scunthorpe DN17 and Candice Dakota Taylor, 34, of Kirton Lindsey, near Gainsborough DN21 – failed to get veterinary treatment for an elderly Lhaso Apso found soaked in faeces and urine, riddled with fleas and with severely matted fur.

The mother and daughter admitted failing to protect their 13-year-od dog, Sade, from “pain, suffering, injury or disease” by not getting her vital vet care.

The tiny dog was found soaked in faeces and urine, with her tail rock hard and her body riddled with fleas.

She was also suffering from skin, eye and ear disease and was dangerously underweight when RSPCA officers visited her home in Scunthorpe in December 2024.

Sadly, she was so poorly that she had to be put down.

Animal Rescue Officer Mollie Masters told media outlet Need to Know that she was “appalled” by Sade’s condition.

She added: “She was severely matted, so much that I was physically unable to see her face.

“Her tail was rock solid and she smelt strongly of urine and faeces.

“On a closer look, she was covered in faeces which was stuck to her matted fur.

“Miss Taylor advised me that she couldn’t take her to the groomers or the vets as Sade bites.”

Shocking details later emerged of wire and chewing gum stuck in the poor dog’s tangled coat, as well as suspected tumours around her back.

RSPCA Inspector Natalie Hill, who investigated, said: “This was a very sad outcome for a dog who had clearly been severely neglected.

“There is no excuse for letting your dog get into such a sorry state.”

The court heard Taylor and Higson claimed they both suffered with “mental health issues”, didn’t realise Sade was in pain, and argued she was old.

Taylor: 12-month community order, with 15 rehab days; fined £120.
Higson: 12-month community order with five rehab days, plus 40 hours of unpaid work.

Both are banned from keeping animals for 10 years.