A cruel woman was nabbed after three dogs that were so skinny their bones could be seen, were found in her back garden.
Claire Dziubek has now been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after the trio of emaciated pooches were discovered.
She was also handed a 17-week suspended sentence after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs.
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Terrier Bindi, 10, whippet Teddy, six months, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Gypsy, were all found with their bones protruding by the RSPCA.
They were surrounded by faeces, and there was no water for them to drink in Dziubek’s garden in Ilkeston, Derbs.
Animal Rescue Officer, Nicola Riley, went to the property in April last year and spotted the dogs in the garden, as reported by Need To Know.
Nicola said: “I could clearly see Bindi’s whole rib cage protruding, and its hip bones were pronounced.
“It did not bark, jump up at all, even when it saw us looking and talking to it, it had no energy and was not bright or alert, and its fur looked like it had mud matted into it.”
Nicola spotted Gypsy, who appeared to be more active but still did not jump or bark in her presence, although her “ribs were very clearly outlined”.
A third dog, Teddy, was under a trampoline and “was very nervous and did not want to come out”.
Nicola said: “When it did emerge, I was taken aback by how thin the dog was, it had no energy, was very lethargic and was moving very slowly.
“All the vertebrae along its back were prominent, both hip bones were protruding, all its ribs were prominent and protruding, and also the bones on its legs were clearly defined.”
The dogs were taken to the vet, but Bindi passed away the next day.
In their report, the vet said: “She was emaciated, with clearly visible spine, ribs, etc, despite her medium length hair, it was obvious she had no subcutaneous fat and very little palpable muscle.”
Teddy, who was signed over into the care of the RSPCA, has now been happily rehomed.
In January, Gypsy was taken into the care of the RSPCA.
In mitigation, it was heard that Dziubek was not deliberately cruel, but acknowledged that she should have explored conditions with a vet.
It was also taken into account that Bindi was very old, and she was considering euthanasia.
Dziubek was also ordered to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £154 on Monday (18 Aug)
Following sentencing, RSPCA Chief Inspector, Susie Micallef, said: “We urge any pet owners who are struggling to please seek help.
“Don’t bury your head in the sand and leave conditions untreated, and for them to become worse.
“There is help out there, and we urge you to seek this before it’s too late.
“Sadly, Bindi wasn’t able to be saved, but we are so pleased that Teddy recovered well and has found a forever home, and Gypsy has also made a good recovery.”
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