Exeter woman left her dog to starve in an empty house in a ‘shocking’ case of neglect

A woman who left her dog to starve in an empty house in a ‘shocking’ case of neglect has been banned from keeping animals for life.

Sian Rees, of Wykes Road, Exeter, admitted responsibility for a female dog called Kimmi and causing the animal unnecessary suffering, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

At a sentencing hearing, Rees was jailed for 15 weeks, suspended for 18 months.

She was also placed under supervision for 18 months, ordered to pay costs and given a lifetime ban from keeping animals, which she cannot appeal for 10 years.

The RSPCA said it was called to an address in Exeter on February 11 after police discovered a dead dog at the property.

On arrival, officers found the flat in disarray, with a large amount of faeces on the floor, the charity said.

There was no sign of food or water in the flat, although there were several bags of empty dog ​​food.

The RSPCA said there were signs Kimmi had made attempts to take food away, including failed attempts to bite open a can of food and tear up the furniture.

Rees claimed she had made arrangements with a friend to pick up Kimmi on the day she left, but said she had no further contact with them and did not check whether Kimmi had been picked up, the charity said.

RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “The circumstances of Kimmi’s death are so tragic and were caused by her owner showing such shocking disregard for a compassionate creature.

“Owning a dog like Kimmi is a privilege, and it’s heartbreaking to think what she went through after being left to die.

“Dogs feel pain and suffer just like us, and deserve to be shown kindness and compassion.

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