A Somerset couple has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after neglecting their 11-year-old Labrador, Daisy, who was left to suffer without veterinary care. When the RSPCA intervened, Daisy was found with a serious neck wound, overgrown nails, heavy tartar on her teeth, a mammary tumour, and other untreated health issues.
Michelle and Daniel Powell admitted that Daisy had not been seen by a vet for three years, with a neck wound present for around a year. Despite receiving urgent treatment, Daisy’s condition was too severe, and she was humanely put down.
RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel described finding Daisy in a deplorable state during a home visit. “Daisy was lying on the sofa, very subdued and unresponsive until I gently stroked her. She had a large wound on her neck with yellow discharge and was extremely thin, with her ribs clearly visible,” said Inspector Daniel. “Her left eye was sore and watering due to eyelashes irritating the eyeball. Her ears were dirty, with swelling and infection behind one ear, and her nails were dangerously overgrown.”
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A veterinary examination confirmed that Daisy’s chronic conditions, including an infected ear mass, painful eye condition entropion, poor body condition potentially caused by mouth pain, overgrown nails affecting mobility, and the thickened neck wound, had caused her significant pain and suffering over a long time. According to the veterinarian, all of these issues could have been treated or managed to relieve her suffering if she had been brought to a professional sooner.
“These conditions and the resulting pain were preventable. Any reasonable pet owner would have sought prompt veterinary care,” the vet’s report stated. Tragically, Daisy’s health deteriorated to the point where recovery was impossible.
The Powells received a ten-year ban on keeping animals, with a seven-year non-appeal period. They were also given suspended 12-month prison sentences, ordered to complete ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, and each fined £250 at Taunton Magistrates Court on September 15.
Inspector Daniel urged all pet owners to ensure their animals receive timely care and attention. “Pets rely entirely on their owners for their wellbeing and deserve compassion and proper veterinary care,” she said.