DONNA ALKER – LANCASHIRE Donna Alker, 55, from Coppull, Chorley, Lancashire – f…

❌DONNA ALKER – LANCASHIRE❌

Donna Alker, 55, from Coppull, Chorley, Lancashire – for the callous mistreatment of a young dog found starved to death and with numerous untreated health conditions.

Mother-of-seven Alker pleaded guilty to two Animal Welfare Act offences of causing unnecessary suffering to her terrier Bella by not feeding her properly and not seeking veterinary advice for the dog’s ill health. She also admitted a third offence of failing to meet her pet’s needs.

The RSPCA visited an address in Coppull on 17 March 2024 after receiving a report and video from a member of the public about a dead dog.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kelly Nix said: “The dog was a small black terrier type that had curly hair that felt like wire. She had green discharge in both eyes, slightly overgrown nails, her teeth were brown and had a pungent smell.

“I could feel all the bones including ribs, hip, spine and legs. The spine felt like a skeleton and could feel all the nodules. [Bella’s] coat was unkempt and smelled of urine and faeces, there were chunks of brown dirt stuck in clumps to her fur, I believe this may be faeces due to the smell.”

Bella’s body was taken to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital to be examined by a vet.

The RSPCA vet found Bella’s body condition to be very poor and she appeared completely emaciated.

The absence of digested food within the dog’s intestine confirmed that she had not eaten for at least 48-56 hours.

The vet said that Bella would have experienced discomfort and chronic irritation from her coat being matted with faeces.

Her dental disease would also have been uncomfortable and painful and may have prevented her from eating normally.

Finally, the inflammation in Bella’s eyes would have affected her vision, so she would struggle to exhibit normal behaviours like playing or seeking out food and water. It also would have caused chronic irritation.

Following sentencing, RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Susie Micallef said: “It is a pet owner’s legal responsibility to properly look after any animal in their care. This poor dog died from neglect.”

For each offence, she was sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months, each to run concurrently; three month alcohol treatment; Requirement and 15 months of ‘rehabilitation’. No mention of a ban.