Carrie Hansford handed suspended prison sentence after pet dog starved to death in Totton property

THE owner of a dog which starved to death in a Totton home has been handed a suspended prison sentence for causing “unimaginable” suffering.

Carrie Hansford (43) left 10-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Rocky alone in her property on Junction Road after she moved in to her partner’s Southampton home, where pets were not allowed.

Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard how a dog warden found Rocky’s emaciated body surrounded by its own faeces.

A statement from an expert vet witness, which was read to the court, said: “In the kitchen area there were hundreds of faeces deposits.

“There were also a number of household items on the floor along with a deceased male brindle-and-white Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog. The dog was wearing a slack collar and the bony prominences were easily observed.”

The court heard that Rocky had died from starvation and dehydration. The vet’s statement explained the amount of faeces in the kitchen was consistent with Rocky having had access to food and water on a regular basis for a prolonged period.

It added: “However, at some point this must have stopped, and a lack of access to food caused Rocky to lose weight and arrive at an emaciated bodily condition.

“More importantly, at some point in time Rocky’s access to water must have also stopped, resulting in dehydration and death.

“In addition, Rocky would have been spending long periods of time in social isolation. As a social species, this would have affected the mental health of this animal.”

Hansford, who pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between 7th August 2022 and 7th December 2022, was handed a four-month prison term, suspended for 12 months.

She was banned from keeping animals for five years and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

After the sentencing, an RSPCA spokesperson said: “Dogs are completely reliant on their owners, and to not provide for their needs is a breach of the law.

“Providing food, water and a suitable living environment are essential elements of that care.

“The vet highlighted that Rocky had been left with food and water for a prolonged period of time, and the suffering Rocky endured as a result is unimaginable.”