BUT SHE CALLED THE RSPCA!
Mum Maxine Davenport, pictured, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her white whippet, Zero, after the dog developed intestine problems.
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Maxine Davenport a victim of the RSPCA prosecution policy
North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court was told the dog, which has since been put to sleep, was just "days from death" when 37-year-old Ms Davenport called the RSPCA on August 1.
In an interview with RSPCA officers, Ms Davenport, of Arbourfield Drive, Bentilee, said she could not afford to take the animal to a vet.
Roger Price, prosecuting on behalf of the animal charity, said: "This was a very sick animal when it was presented to a vet on August 1.
"The dog was only a few days from death."
The court heard the animal suffered a congenital illness, which affected its digestive system.
Ms Price told the RSPCA the animal had been unwell since July 29.
WHAT A WHOLE 3 DAYS ????
"She has another whippet, Zeek, and that would have shown a comparison as that animal had normal muscle and fat compared to Zero.
"She told the RSPCA she was aware dogs from that same litter had intestine problems.
"A reasonable person would have paid particular attention to the animal because of this."
Mr Price told the court that Zero could have received free treatment from the Stoke-based PDSA hospital as Ms Davenport receives benefits.
But in her interview with RSPCA officers, Ms Davenport said she could not find a taxi firm willing to have a dog in one of its vehicles.
Mr Price added: "Within eight minutes' walk of her house there is Shires Veterinary Practice, but she didn't go.
PERHAPS BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T HAVE ANY MONEY, PERHAPS SHE SHOULD HAVE CALLED AN ANIMAL WELFARE CHARITY? OH YES SHE DID, AND THEY PROSECUTED HER!
"The inspector that went to see her noted she was smoking and told her if she smoked less she would save money and afford to go the vet."
Mr Corbett told the court Ms Davenport had tried to alter the dog's diet after noticing it was unwell.
It was also explained the animal's condition may well have been impossible to cure.
He added: "It was not a positive act of cruelty, it was an omission to act.
"She is entirely disgusted and mortified as to how the dog ended up."
Alongside the fine, Ms Davenport was handed an 18-month community order which includes 16 sessions at Chepstow House in Hanley, which aims to help women get their lives back on track,
She is also allowed to keep her whippet Zeek and rabbit and cat.
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Mum-fined-taking-dog-vets/story-15062601-detail/story.html
