April 24, 2018 4.55 pm This story is over 71 months old

RSPCA reveals heartbreaking animal cruelty cases in Lincolnshire

Dogs Mitzy and Coke now have new owners after previously being mistreated
Photo: RSPCA

The RSPCA has received an alarming number of animal cruelty complaints in Lincolnshire, with over 3,000 recorded over the last year.

In 2017 alone, the charity investigated 3,205 complaints in the county, placing Lincolnshire 14th out of 47 counties across England.

The figure was a slight reduction from the previous two years – 3,236 in 2016 and 3,264 in 2015.

There were a total of 34 convictions, with 14 people convicted in 2017.

Of this figure 10% were related to horses, with Lincolnshire having the 18th highest number of equine complaints in the country.

Lincolnshire Case Study

Mistreated dogs Mitzy and Coke have now made full recoveries and been adopted into new homes. Photo: RSPCA

Two dogs from a case in Boston were left to suffer by their previous owner, but have now been adopted by people in Nottinghamshire.

A concerned member of the public phoned the RSPCA after finding Staffies Coke and Mitzy in a very poor condition in March 2017.

The dogs went to RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre in Nottinghamshire.

Staffie dog Coke was in a poor condition when she was found. Photo: RSPCA

Coke had to have a toe amputated after an untreated tumour was found. She also had an untreated parasite burden, which led to anaemia and dehydration and she was put on a drip at the vets.

Coke also had severe dental disease.

Staffie dog Mitzy was in a poor condition when she was found. Photo: RSPCA

Mitzy had an untreated skin condition and flea infestation resulting in the loss of some fur, as well as untreated ear infections.

Previous owner convicted

The previous owner was convicted of six offences under the Animal Welfare Act, five of causing unnecessary suffering and one of failing to meet the needs of the dogs.

The female owner was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years and deprived of any other animals in her care after a hearing at Boston Magistrates Court in October.

She was also ordered to pay £300 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Dogs happy with new owners

Coke’s new owner Wendy Wallis, who lives in Radcliffe-On-Trent in Nottinghamshire, adopted her in November 2017.

She said: “I lost my previous dog and my granddaughter was desperate for me to get another one.

“We’re big animal lovers and the whole family has dogs. I met Coke and that was it, I just knew.

“She’s getting on a bit now. She has selective hearing and I’m pretty sure she’s going blind, but she just loves other dogs and really comes alive when she’s with the other dogs in the family.”

Mitzy was adopted by Louise De-Balsi and her family, who live in Mapperley in Nottinghamshire.

Louise said: “Mitzy is such a soft lump. I have four children and she’s so great with them them. It’s a busy house and she is always excited to meet new people and rolls straight over to have her tummy rubbed.

She added: “My son adores her and his relationship with her is really helping his fear of other dogs too.”