A Liverpool primary school headteacher neglected an elderly dog until the animal smelt like “rotting flesh”.
Susan Horncastle, 60, of Brookthorpe Close, Wallasey, left West Highland terrier Snowy “suffering on numerous levels” until it had to be put down.
Horncastle, the headteacher at The Our Lady of Good Health Primary School in Wavertree, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal at Wirral Magistrates’ Court today.
The court heard that an animal welfare officer called at her home on July 10 after concerns were raised about the welfare of the dog.
There was no answer but the officer could smell an “overpowering” stench of “rotting flesh”.
The 17-year-old dog, which had an untreated ear infection and an infected tumour on its rear, was later taken to a Wallasey veterinary surgery, where staff initially thought it was dead.
Upon examination it was found to be alive, but was put to sleep to end its suffering.
Magistrates were told Horncastle was a “lady of good character” with no previous convictions.
She pleaded guilty to one charge of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to seek veterinary treatment.
Chris Murphy, prosecuting, said: “When the dog was found he was in a very poor condition and he had to be put down on humane grounds.
“Inspector Anthony Joynes from the RSPCA took the carcass to Holly Jones, a vet, who said his ribs could clearly be seen and he was covered in faeces.”
Further analysis from a second vet found the dog to have “greasy and matted” fur and loose teeth.
Mr Murphy added: “The vet said the dog was in a shocking condition after several weeks, if not months, of suffering on numerous levels.”
The court heard Horncastle had initially denied owning any animals.
She later said that she had looked after the dog for four years on an ‘on/off basis’ when her sister, who lives in London, was in Australia.
Matthew Harvey, defending, said that Horncastle suffers from two forms of arthritis and has limited mobility.
He said: “My client has never appeared in court in her life and the experience has been terrifying for her.”
Horncastle will be sentenced at Wirral Magistrates Court on November 30.
Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/