SAMMII STANCER – LINCOLN

2025 – Sammii Stancer from Lincoln LN2 – kept starving lurcher puppies in a rubbish-strewn alley.

RSPCA Inspector Katie Burris went to Stancer’s property on February 20, 2025, after receiving a report about the welfare of her three dogs. Stancer was not at the address but gave access to the inspector when she went back the following day.

The dogs were being kept in a small rubbish-strewn passageway to the side of the kitchen.

In a statement to the court, the inspector said: “Dexter looked to be in very poor body condition, and his backbone, ribs, and hips could clearly be seen.

“The other lurcher pup, named Rio, was also in very poor body condition, with his hips, spine and hips clearly visible.

“The defendant said she had owned the lurcher puppies since January 18 and was concerned about their condition but had not contacted a vet.”

Stancer signed both puppies over to the RSPCA, and a vet examination found they were both suffering from chronic hunger and a high parasite burden.

Rio weighed 6.3kg and Dexter weighed 6.4kg, with both puppies having a high parasite burden.

During the visit, the inspector also issued an advisory notice, requiring the defendant to clean up the living area and ensure Dolly, a spaniel cross, had a clean bed and access to water.

She was also told to get the adult dog microchipped. However, it was later found that Stancer hadn’t microchipped the canine and the charity also received complaints alleging she was leaving Dolly alone for long periods.

Inspector Burris revisited the property on June 21 and discovered Dolly, who had lost weight, had been left alone by the defendant for three days. The defendant agreed to sign the dog over to the RSPCA.

Inspector Burris stated: “She was in a worse body condition than the last time I had seen her, and her ribs, backbone and hip bones could clearly be seen. The passageway she was being kept in was full of faeces, there was only a small amount of water in a bowl and there was no bed. Dolly appeared to be scared and nervous.”

A vet later found she also had a parasite burden. With the correct nutrition and care, she put on weight and was rehomed over the summer.

The lurcher puppies lso made a quick recovery and were found loving new owners.

Single mother-of-three Stancer pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. In mitigation, Stancer claimed she thought the dogs were “just skinny”. She had also experienced “domestic problems”.

Sentenced – 18-month community sentence with 25 days of ‘rehab’. ordered to pay a £100 fine, costs of £200 and a £114 victim surcharge, 10-year ban.