Family failed to treat pet's ear

A woman from Tipton says she failed to treat her dog's ear infection because she could not afford to take it to a vet, a court heard.

Amanda Marsh, aged 47, from Highfield Road, pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to her 13-year-old boxer dog Josie and failing to take reasonable steps to treat the condition.

Her mother and father James Edwin Marsh, 69, and Jean Marsh, 67, both from Hawthorne Road in Tipton, also pleaded guilty to the same two charges

The family, who appeared before West Bromwich Magistrates Court yesterday, said they tried to treat the condition with a disinfectant and warm water. The dog, which had a severe ear infection between April 21 and July 21, has since been re-homed and is now healthy.

Mr Nick Sutton, prosecuting said: "The dog had a very severe condition and part of the ear was blocked and it would also leak pus. The family tried to treat the infection when clearly it needed a vet to sort the problem out.

"The smell coming from the infection was also said to be very potent."

The smell was later described by RSPCA officer Jayne Bashford, as "overwhelming" following an inspection on July 21.

Mrs Helen Pinning, defending said: "This animal was a family pet and was very well loved. The family tried to treat the infection and Amanda could not afford to take it to a vet because of the cost.

"They are very ashamed of what has happened and it was a very well loved dog."

After the hearing, RSPCA officer Jayne Bashford said that Amanda Marsh had taken the dog to her mother and father's house in a bid to get them to help look after the dog. The RSPCA was informed of the condition of the dog and took action.

The case was adjourned for probation reports until April 22.