Courts across the UK deal with thousands of animal welfare crimes against dogs, cats and other pets every year.
Here are three Hertfordshire residents who have committed offences against animals.
1. Joseph White
Joseph White, of York Road, Stevenage, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare, after appearing at Willesden Magistrates' Court on September 5.
Between November 19, 2022, and November 19, 2023, the 34-year-old failed to provide three dogs, namely Littlebugger, Betsy and Scrapbox, with adequate food and nutrition, thereby causing them to be severely malnourished, at Euston Railway Station.
His case has been adjourned for sentencing.
2. Susan Barry
Susan Barry, of Barndicott, Welwyn Garden City, was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £154 to fund victim services, and disqualified from keeping dogs for 12 months, after appearing at St Albans Magistrates' Court on June 6.
The 63-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, for failing to provide veterinary treatment for skin diseases for three dogs, namely Diesel, Milo and Molly.
Barry also failed to provide treatment for an eye disease suffered by Diesel, and pleaded guilty to duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare.
3. Lyn Calvert
Lyn Calvert, of Appleton Fields, Bishop Stortford, was sentenced to 15 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, ordered to pay costs of £900 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £154 to fund victim services, after appearing at Hatfield Magistrates' Court.
Between October 1, 2021, and November 4, 2022, the 63-year-old failed to provide continuous access to an adequate supply of clean fresh drinking water.
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