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A couple in the UK has been banned from owning and keeping pets after letting their dog suffer a large burn on its body caused by hot water.
BBC reports that when the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in Somerset found the dog, named Missy, she was found to have a large untreated burn on the back of her body.
Jordan Allen and Paisley Farthing, Missy’s former owners, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering after Allen claimed that the pooch pulled over a cup of hot water while he was making a cup of tea.
RSPCA reveals that after the accident, the couple failed to seek veterinary care for Missy.
Instead, they took treatment advice from a friend, leaving the dog to suffer with “weeping, pus-filled wounds” covering not only her back, but also her shoulders and neck.
When vet saw Missy nine days later, her injuries were already well-established, having pus-like discharge, fur loss, and some dry scabbing.
According to the vet report, Missy’s scald pattern was “not consistent” with Allen’s explanation of the dog knocking over a mug of boiling hot water.
“In my opinion the needs of Missy were not met to the extent required by good practice due to the persons responsible for the welfare of this animal failing to seek prompt veterinary advice after becoming aware that the dog had been scalded by boiling water, thereby failing to protect this animal from pain and suffering,” the report explained.
Jordan Allen, 24, of no fixed abode, was given a 10-year ban from owning animals. Additionally, he was also sentenced to 16 weeks custody, suspended for 12 months, with a requirement to undertake 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and 300 hours unpaid work.
Allen must also pay a £114 ($143 USD) victim surcharge and £500 ($627 USD) costs.
Meanwhile, Allen’s girlfriend, Paisley Farthing, 32, of Park Drive, Bruton, was disqualified from owning dogs for five years.
She was also sentenced to a 12 month community order with a requirement to undertake 20 RAR days. Furthermore, she must also pay £250 ($313 USD) costs and a £114 ($143 USD) victim surcharge.
RSPCA Inspector Daniel Hatfield, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said, “Animals feel pain and suffering just like we do and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion.”
Hatfield made a plea with pet owners to make sure that their pets are receiving necessary care and treatment when they need it.
“Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them,” he said.
