Luton woman sentenced for neglect to dog that was found '˜rotting alive'

Brenda Chekley, 67, of Harefield Road, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act and was sentenced at Luton Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

She was disqualified from keeping all animals for life, ordered to pay a total of £560 in fines and court costs, and given a 12-month community order alongside a rehabilitation requirement.

Chekley admitted causing unnecessary suffering to her 11-year-old German shepherd, Heinzy, by failing to explore and address the cause of his weight loss and infection.

RSPCA inspector Mel Fisher, who investigated the case, said: “It was dreadful, Heinzy was rotting alive.

“He was in so much pain and discomfort.

“He was in a really sorry state and should never have been left to get like that.”

The RSPCA were called to a premises in Luton on September 28 last year and found Heinzy collapsed and unable to walk.

Ms Fisher added: “He had multiple tumours which had ulcerated and burst, causing holes in his abdomen.

“He couldn’t walk, he was emaciated, his claws were overgrown, and his back legs were swollen.

“The smell of rotting flesh was almost unbearable and Heinzy was clearly suffering.

“It was disgraceful.

“To be honest, we were all shocked that he was still alive.”

A vet was called to examine Heinzy and the German shepherd was put to sleep.