Couple left their scalded dog untreated and left to suffer

Two people have been banned from keeping animals after allowing a dog to suffer after scalding it with hot water.

Missy had a large, oozing, untreated burn caused by hot water when she was found by the RSPCA in Somerset.

Her former owners, Jordan Allen and Paisley Farthing, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering after Allen claimed Missy drank a cup of hot water while he made a cup of tea.

Daniel Hatfield, an RSPCA inspector, encouraged owners who are struggling to care for their pets to seek help from charities.

*Warning, this story contains graphic images*

Instead of seeking veterinary care for Missy, the couple took a friend’s advice and left her to suffer from oozing, pus-filled sores covering parts of her back, shoulders and neck.

When vets finally saw Missy nine days later, her injuries were “well established,” with pus-like discharge, loss of fur and some dry scabs.

The veterinarian’s report said Missy’s burns were “not consistent” with Allen’s explanation that the dog had jumped onto the work surface and knocked over a cup containing boiling water.

“In my view, Missy’s needs were not met to the extent required by good practice because those responsible for this animal’s welfare failed to promptly seek veterinary advice after learned that the dog had been scalded by boiling water, thus failing to protect this animal from pain and suffering,” the report added.

Allen, 24, of no fixed abode, and Farthing, 32, of Park Drive, Bruton, were investigated and prosecuted by the RSPCA.

Allen was banned from owning any animals for 10 years, while Farthing was banned from keeping dogs for five years.

Daniel Hatfield, who investigated for the RSPCA, said: “Owning an animal is a privilege and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have to them.

“If a pet owner is struggling to care for their pet, we encourage them to reach out to a charity or organization that can help.”