Dog owner receives ban following animal deaths

A dog owner has been banned from keeping animals for 20 years after two of her eight dogs had to be put to sleep and four others had legs amputated.

Margaret Porter, 60, of Dolman Road, Gosport, pleaded guilty to five animal welfare offences following an RSPCA investigation.

Porter failed to seek help despite the condition of the dogs and it being apparent they were suffering, the charity said.

She was also sentenced to 52 weeks custody, suspended for 12 months, at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court.

Porter arrived at the RSPCA Solent Branch's The Stubbington Ark in a taxi with six dogs in carriers in June 2022.

She claimed they belonged to her sister who had run away leaving them behind, and gave fake details.

The dogs were rushed to a vet where it was discovered three of them each had a disabled hind leg. All the dogs had dirty matted hair, and some had long nails and missing teeth.

Days later concerns were raised by Gosport Borough Council about dogs at Porter's home address.

A stray dog had recently been taken to a vet with two broken legs, and the following day Porter contacted the council claiming she had found a different stray.

The RSPCA said one of these dogs had two broken legs that were not believed to be accidental.

It subsequently visited her home and rescued a further two dogs.

Last month Porter pleaded guilty to four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, and failing to meet their need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury or disease by maintaining their coats in an appropriate condition.

She has to pay a victim surcharge of £149, £250 costs, and carry out 15 days in rehabilitation.

The surviving dogs have now been rehomed.

RSPCA inspector Hannah Nixon, who investigated the case, said: "Owning an animal is a privilege - and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.

"If any pet owner is struggling to care for their animal we'd encourage them to reach out to a charity or organisation who can help."

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