South Shields pet owner faces jail following discovery of a dead dog at her home
A South Tyneside pet owner could be jailed - and banned from keeping animals - after an emaciated dead dog in a cage was found at her home by police.
Neighbours of Leigh Milligan, 21, summoned them over fears she had a dangerous pooch and one deceased at her property in Broad Landing, South Shields.
Once inside, officers found a chaotic scene of dirt and filth and located the expired animal – a small Sherpa breed named Narla, a court heard.
Also present were two well-cared for dogs but living among so much clutter they could not easily find the floor to walk on.
When interviewed after her arrest, Milligan denied failing in her duty of care towards the dog, prosecutor Clare Haswell said.
But from the dock at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, she backtracked and pleaded guilty to a charge of duty of a person responsible for an animal to ensure welfare.
The charge relates to someone who does not take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of an animal are met.
Borough magistrates heard the starting point for the offence is 18 weeks behind bars – and Ms Haswell said she would seek a ban on Milligan keeping an animal.
She said: “Officers attended Broad Landing after reports of a dangerous dog and a possible deceased dog in the property.
“They could immediately see that there was a deceased dog in a cage in the hallway. There was no bedding.
“The dog was severely emaciated, and its claws were overgrown. There were two other dogs and discarded clothes.
“There was no available floor space for the animals. She was arrested for failing to provide adequate care.
“In interview, there was a pre-prepared statement, and she denied the offence, but she does plead guilty.
“She said that she had three dogs and was unable to take the dead dog to the vets, due to financial issues.
“She accepted that she couldn’t care for the dogs. There was evidence of prolonged or deliberate ill treatment or neglect.
“A dog has passed away. The two other dogs have been taken. Can I apply for a banning order.”
Nick Moore, defending, said there had been no deliberate attempt by Milligan to harm the dog but he accepted she had been unable to cope.
Mr Moore added: “There were two dogs that were in perfectly good health. She accepts that she can’t care for these dogs.
“She was trying to feed the dog that died with chicken and boiled rice. She is on benefits and in a difficult financial position.
“She couldn’t afford pet care, and she does have some health issues. This is her first time before the courts.
“I accept the offence is greater harm because the dog has passed away, but I would say it wasn’t prolonged.
“She is remorseful, and she is young and there is an element of immaturity.”
Magistrates adjourned for a report and granted Milligan conditional bail to be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, January 22.
She must work with the Probation Service on the report and not keep an animal in the interim.
The issue of an animal banning order could be decided at the next hearing.