A Somerset woman who kept her dogs in cages and deprived them of food, water and bedding has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years. Susan Boobyer admitted three animal welfare offences of cruelty and neglect in a prosecution brought by the  RSPCA.

The charity reported the 52-year-old, of Bower Avenue, Bridgwater, ignored advice and warning notices, which told her to improve conditions for her dogs who were kept in cages with a lack of food, water and bedding.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, persuaded Boobyer to let her take two dogs, known as Rex and Suzie, to a vet on May 5 2022 after Boobyer had repeatedly failed to do so despite earlier warnings 

 She said: “Once the dogs arrived at the vet, Rex jumped into the sink, holding his nose to the tap and desperately drank the water provided- together with another three bows after that.  Suzie also quickly drank a bowl of water, and both readily ate food offered to them.  The vet who examined the dogs confirmed they were suffering.”

 RSPCA Inspector Daniel, who advised Boobyer of the vet’s welfare concerns and that they had been seized by Police, also issued a further animal welfare advice notice, advising Boobyer that her remaining dogs needed to be provided with bedding and fresh water at all times.    

 When she returned to Boobyer’s address on May 13 to follow up on the welfare notice, Inspector Daniel found an adult dog known as Foxy and two 10-week old pups shut in with several piles of faeces over the floor with no bedding or water available.

 Boobyer confirmed that the dogs had not seen a vet but refused to allow Inspector Daniel to take them to see one. She explained that she would have to ask for police assistance, who attended and seized the Foxy and the puppies.

 Veterinary evidence showed that Rex and Suzie were both very underweight with their bones visible. They were also both suffering from dental disease.

 Suzie, the mum of pups Annie and Bella, was also found to have discolouration of fur indicating flea allergic dermatitis

 Foxy was found to have marked dental disease, while Bella and Annie were underweight with healing ulcers on their pads either from urine or faecal scale or being caged with inappropriate bedding. The puppies were also suffering from anaemia due to their parasitic burden.

 Boobyer was also deprived of ownership of Rex, Suzie, Foxy, Bella and Anna, who have been in the care of the RSPCA since their rescue and will be rehomed soon.

 Alongside the disqualification, which she can not appeal for ten years, was also sentenced to 12 months custody, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay £600 costs and a £156 victim surcharge when she appeared before North Somerset Magistrates Court on February 24.