On September 15 last year, RSPCA officer Lydia Andrews arrived at the Oxford Canal in Sutton Stop, Coventry, following reports of neglected dogs. Aboard a narrowboat, she discovered the body of a labrador-cross named Milo, wrapped in a sheet and visibly emaciated. The vessel was described as cluttered, filthy, and reeking of faeces.
Discovery of Milo's Body
In a statement, Andrews said: 'I observed Milo lying deceased wrapped in a sheet. Upon inspection, I could see his ribs, spine, and hip bones were clearly visible, indicating an extremely poor body condition.' Milo weighed just 19.4kg and had a body condition score of one out of nine, the lowest possible.
While waiting for police assistance, a member of the public directed Andrews to a nearby disused toilet block, where she found a two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Scooby, belonging to the boat's owner, Lisa Marie Riddell, 32.
Scooby's Distressing Condition
Scooby was extremely underweight with visible ribs and a tucked abdomen. He had yellow staining on his lower body and appeared nervous and withdrawn. Andrews noted: 'He appeared extremely nervous and withdrawn, showing signs of significant distress.' Police removed Scooby and took him to the RSPCA's hospital in Birmingham.
Vets found Scooby severely underweight, weighing just 17kg, with a body condition score of two out of nine, and coated in faeces. Due to aggression issues, he was deemed unsuitable for rehoming and had to be put to sleep.
Court Sentence and Ban
At Birmingham Magistrates' Court on July 17, Riddell admitted three offences under the Animal Welfare Act. She was sentenced to a 10-year ban from keeping dogs, a 12-month community order requiring 25 rehabilitation activity days and 300 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £350 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
In mitigation, the court heard Riddell was ashamed and had struggled with mental health problems. RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones said: 'I'm pleased we were able to get justice for Milo, Scooby and Milo's owners, who were devastated to lose him after they thought they'd left him in the care of someone they could trust.'
