Leigh magistrate and her daughter convicted for allowing dogs to suffer
One of their dogs was found wearing a baby jumper that had stuck to her poorly skin
Last updated 10th Apr 2018
A magistrate at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court, who has deliberated on RSPCA cases for the past 30 years, has been convicted for animal cruelty, along with her daughter.
Gail Bradshaw, 64, and Nicola Bradshaw, 29, both of Minehead Avenue, appeared before Preston Magistrates' Court for a two-day trial.
They were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two West Highland white terrier's called 'Poppy' and 'Holly'.
They failed to provide proper and necessary care and attention for their chronic and severe skin conditions.
RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald said: “The severity of the skin conditions and fur loss suffered by these dogs was the worst I’ve seen in my 15-year career. They were in an absolutely shocking state.
“When I first saw Poppy she was wearing a filthy baby jumper. Gail Bradshaw said she put it on her to keep her warm and to stop her scratching herself raw. When the vet tried to remove the jumper it had stuck to Poppy’s weeping skin around her armpits, chest and front legs.”
The court heard that visits to the vets with Poppy in 2014 and 2015 established the cause of her fur loss and skin infection but the Bradshaws were inconsistent in following the treatment plans.
A new treatment plan was put in place in March 2015 by the vet with the advice to return in 7-10 days but Poppy was never taken back.
Inspector McDonald said: “Gail Bradshaw said she didn’t think the vet treatment was working so decided to self treat the condition after seeking advice from the internet and friends. However over the following two years Poppy's condition deteriorated to the state she was found in when I attended.
“When Holly started to get similar symptoms in early 2017 she was never taken to the vet. This is despite both dogs having 'ultimate' Petplan insurance which could have covered the treatment.”
Upon conviction magistrates said that Gail Bradshaw’s recollection of the previous vet visits were vague and that she offered no credible explanation for not following the treatment plans or seeking further vet treatment.
Once Poppy and Holly came into RSPCA care their conditions improved rapidly, where they remain pending the outcome of the case.
The case was adjourned until 2pm on Tuesday 8 May at Preston Magistrates’ Court for a pre-sentencing report