A DOG owner from Coventry who failed to provide vet care for her seriously unwell pet has been given a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping animals for ten years.
Lynn Ashby, 58, of Canal Road, pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
The animal welfare charity began an investigation after it was contacted by vets with concerns for Ashby’s dog, a American bulldog called Tyson.
Ashby presented Tyson for euthanasia when he became unable to stand, suffering from both a large tumour and from a deep pressure sore ulcer.
He was found to be emaciated and suffering from severe hunger, and was covered in urine and faeces.
Tyson had developed a large tumour on his right foreleg. Despite a previous removal in June 2024 with a high likelihood of recurrence, Ashby sought no further veterinary attention.
A veterinary expert said the tumor, which had spread to multiple organs, had likely been causing Tyson debilitating pain for a number of weeks.
In their report, the vet said: “Ashby only decided to seek veterinary attention when Tyson was no longer able to stand – none of the other factors had prompted her to make that decision at an earlier point in time.
“In my professional opinion, on a veterinary basis, she failed to take reasonable steps to protect Tyson from pain, suffering, and disease and failed to provide an appropriate diet to the extent required by good practice.”
Alongside the ten year animal disqualification order, which she can not appeal for five years, Ashby was sentenced to a 10 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days.
She was also ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge when she was sentenced at Coventry Magistrates Court.
RSPCA Inspector Jon Ratcliffe, 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, especially when they are in pain and in need of urgent veterinary care.
“If any pet owner is struggling to care for their animal, we’d encourage them to reach out to a local charity or organisation who can help.”
