Woman who let dog starve given 15-year animal ban

A woman has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years after leaving her seriously ill dog to suffer in a skeletal state.

Tanya Muriel Margaret Sanderson, 39, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her Staffordshire bull terrier, Yogi, at Bristol Magistrates Court on 3 April.

The eight-year-old dog was unable to eat because of a hole in his nose and had been left to starve, the RSPCA told the court.

They added that sadly Yogi had to be put to sleep because of the "severity of his condition and grave prognosis".

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The court heard that in September 2024, RSPCA Deputy Ch Insp Simon Coombs had visited Sanderson's home in Bristol, to check on the welfare of Yogi.

The visit was made following concerns for the dog, which had been seen in an emaciated condition.

The tan bull terrier was found in a lethargic and very poor condition and rushed to a vet, the RSPCA said.

Mr Coombs, said: "His ribs, hips, spine and skull were very prominent and there was also a hole in his nose to the left hand side.

"No animal should suffer like this".

The RSPCA, said Yogi had been unable to eat because of an open wound and a growth inside his mouth and nose and had been left to gradually starve.

It was stated the dog may have been suffering for more than six months.

A post mortem examination found the dog's upper jaw and gums had been "completely destroyed" and an open wound had left the roots of his teeth visible.

Sanderson, of Creswicke Road, Bristol, was handed a suspended sentence at Bristol Magistrates Court and ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

She can appeal her 15 year ban after 10 years.

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