A woman whose dog had to be put down after suffering from a painful skin infection has been banned from keeping animals for five years.

Emma Conway, 37, allowed dog Harley to develop multiple ear and skin infections which had been left untreated over several weeks. After receiving a tip off, RSPCA animal rescue officer Jess Pierce visited her home in Westhoughton, Greater Manchester, on May 14, 2024.

In written evidence, the RSPCA officer said: “I saw a female crossbreed dog named Harley in the living room with a coat covering most of her body. However, even with the coat on, I could see she had quite a significant skin issue. I could smell a strong yeasty smell and I saw she had thickened skin and fur loss.

“I asked Ms Conway to take the coat off Harley and she pulled the back up. I could then see the dog was mainly bald along her back. The skin appeared thickened and black and reminded me of rhino skin. I asked if Harley had been to a vet and the owner stated she hadn’t as she couldn’t afford it but she showed me some treatments she had brought.”

The nervous and scared dog was then taken to a local vet, who discovered Harley had been suffering from ear infections and ear disease, likely for several weeks.

The vet said: “This would have caused her constant irritation and would have made it difficult for her to settle and rest comfortably. She was scratching behind her ears causing self trauma and getting no relief, contributing to both physical and mental suffering.

“By failing to present her to a veterinary surgeon with these symptoms, the owner has caused unnecessary suffering to Harley. Regardless of the cause of the chronic ear and skin disease and whether treatable or not, veterinary treatment should have been sought much earlier in this case.”

Following the vet visit, owner Emma agreed to sign Harley over to the RSPCA, and was advised the charity would investigate further. Several weeks later, Harley’s condition still had not improved.

Both ears were still inflamed and there were ongoing concerns about blood in her urine. The vet said her health issues were chronic and she recommended that Harley was put down to prevent further suffering.

At interview, Conway said she had purchased shampoo and a new bed for Harley as she thought the problem may be dust mites, and had tried to treat her skin with oil. After pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Harley, Conway was given a five year ban on keeping animals.

Magistrates also imposed a 12 month community order and ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days. Conway was also told to pay £541.50 in costs and given a £40 fine.