A Liverpool primary school headteacher has lost her job after neglecting an elderly dog until the animal smelt “like rotted flesh”.
Susan Horncastle, 60, of Brookthorpe Close, Wallasey , left West Highland terrier Snowy “suffering on numerous levels” until the dog had to be put down.
Horncastle, who was headteacher at Our Lady of Good Help in Wavertree , pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal at Wirral Magistrates Court.
The court heard Horncastle has lost her job of 18 years since the allegations came to light.
Sentencing her to three months in prison, suspended for two years, district judge Michael Abelson said: “You are a lady of exemplary character, but in no way could it possibly excuse your behaviour when it came to this unfortunate animal.”
An animal welfare officer called at her home on July 10 after concerns were raised about the welfare of the dog.
The court was told there was no answer but the officer could smell an “overpowering” stench of “rotting flesh”.
Liverpool headteacher Susan Horncastle has been banned from keeping animals for life after a court heard her 17-year-old West Highland terrier Snowy “suffered on numerous levels”. Photo from the RSPCA
The 17-year-old dog, which was underweight, had an untreated ear infection and an infected tumour on its rear. He was later taken to a Wallasey veterinary surgery, where vets initially thought it was dead.
Upon examination it was found to be alive but was put to sleep to end his suffering.
Chris Murphy, prosecuting, said: “When the dog was found he was in a very poor condition. Inspector Anthony Joynes from the RSPCA took the carcass to Holly Jones, a vet, who said his ribs could be clearly seen and he was covered in faeces.”
"Weeks, if not months, of suffering"
Further examination 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.
Liverpool headteacher Susan Horncastle has been banned from keeping animals for life after a court heard her 17-year-old West Highland terrier Snowy “suffered on numerous levels”. Photo from the RSPCA
She later said she had looked after the dog on an on-off basis for four years 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 her poor health meant she was unable to lift Snowy and could not see the mass on his rear until some of his fur was cut away.
The dog was taken to the vets by her son, who said he had been collapsed for about a week.
Mr Harvey said his client had received “threatening” letters which are being investigated by police.
RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes said: “This was a serious case of prolonged neglect. Snowy suffered, in my opinion, a catalogue of neglect. It would have been all too obvious to Horncastle that Snowy was suffering.”
Horncastle was also ordered to pay RSPCA costs of £997 and court costs of £150.
Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/