Dawlish couple banned from keeping dogs

12 year old collie, Kizzy was underweight and missing fur when she was rescued by the RSPCA.

The charity first became aware of the neglect of 12-year-old Kizzy after an anonymous report from a member of the public.

A photograph was sent to the RSPCA and an inspector found Kizzy in a lamentable condition, with missing fur, scabs and pink inflamed skin covering her body. She was taken for veterinary treatment and subsequently seized by the police. 

Fern Amelia Thoms (date of birth: 06/12/1990) and Peter David Thoms (date of birth: 17/02/1989), both of Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon, were found guilty of one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Both were handed a three-year ban on keeping dogs and ordered to pay £200. They were also deprived of ownership of Kizzy.

RSPCA inspector Marije Zwager, who investigated for the charity, said: “The photographs show just what an appalling state Kizzy was in at the time of her rescue. She must have been so uncomfortable and itchy all the time resulting in her nibbling and scratching herself raw.

“Kizzy’s terrible condition could have been avoided if she was promptly taken to a vet and the owners had followed veterinary advice to manage her chronic skin condition  - it should never have got to this situation, and should never have simply been treated with ineffective home remedies by those responsible for her care.”

Kizzy has since recovered while in the care of the RSPCA at West Hatch in Somerset.