Sick pup abandoned in car park

A heartless couple who abandoned a sick puppy in a car park rather than paying for further treatment or having it put down were given a suspended jail sentence by Oldham magistrates.

Martin Leigh (42), of Huddersfield Road, Greenacres, and Katie Taylor (25), of Miles Road, Derker, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to their black and tan crossbreed puppy named Nugget by failing to provide necessary care for its breathing difficulties. The pair, who were in a relationship at the time but have since split up, also pleaded guilty to failing to protect the pup from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Miss Anna MacDonald, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said Taylor took the unwell pup to County End Veterinary Hospital, Oldham, on October 16 and told veterinary surgeon Joanna Bednarska that Nugget had breathing difficulties and was choking up white foam.

Ms Bednarska examined the puppy but advised it needed further tests, but Taylor was reluctant to have further examinations and took it away with her.

A week later she returned to the surgery complaining the puppy’s symptoms had returned.

The vet examined Nugget and found its condition had worsened, with its lungs now congested and its temperature below normal.

The vet told Taylor the puppy would have to be taken into intensive care or put to sleep.

But Taylor disagreed because of the costs.

The vet agreed to keep the puppy in the hospital without charge, but Taylor took it away.

The vet raised the alarm and RSPCA inspectors went to Miles Street where they were told by Leigh that the pup had been released into a car park near the property.

Leigh told the inspectors he was not the dog owner nor responsible for it.

Mr Steve Parker, defending Leigh, asked the magistrates to consider his client’s early guilty plea.

He added: “Martin is full of remorse. He made a very bad decision.

“He thought he would have to pay more than £11 to euthanase the puppy.

“He decided to let it go in the hope that someone would find it and look after it.

“He has no previous convictions in relation to animal cruelty.”

Defending Taylor, Mr Richard Williamson said: “Katie bitterly regrets the decision she made.

“She would act completely different if given the chance again.

“She paid £130 to the vet for treatment on the first visit and there was slight improvement to Nugget, but returned when he became poorly again.

“This shows she is responsible.

“She was told the dog was going to die so she was distraught.

“She doesn’t recall the vet saying the puppy could have an overnight stay in the hospital free of charge, or that it could be put to sleep for £11.

“She has been in employment for four years and has a good employer reference. She has no previous convictions.”

Magistrate Marilyne Buckley told the pair their offences were so serious they justified a custodial sentence, but the bench had taken into account their guilty pleas.

Both were given four-month prison sentences, suspended for 12 months.

They were banned from keeping animals for life, sentenced to 300 hours’ of unpaid work and were each ordered to pay £389.70 costs.