A woman from Pinner has been banned from keeping dogs and cats for five years after her pet was discovered living in faeces-covered conditions with untreated health problems.
Christie Baker, 23, of Howards Close, pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 14 July to causing unnecessary suffering to her dog, Dior, a two-year-old tan crossbreed.
The RSPCA began investigating in November 2024 after neighbours reported constant barking from Baker’s flat in Pinner, raising concerns that no one had been home for two days.
Inspector Nicole Broster, who attended with police on 7 November, said: “The moment the door was open I was hit by an overpowering smell of faeces and urine. The police invited me in to assist with the animals within the property. The urine was so strong my eyes were stinging and I couldn’t stop coughing and wretching and had to leave the property several times as I was unable to breathe.”
Inside, Dior was found cowering in the kitchen among rubbish and faeces. The curtains were drawn, and the dog had likely been left in complete darkness.
Inspector Broster added: “She appeared very scared but also guarding the room. There was a mattress that Dior was jumping on that was filthy. I could see the room was full of rubbish, empty bags of dog food had been ripped open, rubbish everywhere and there was even a bottle of bleach on the floor that had been chewed.”
Dior was taken to Finsbury Park Animal Hospital for assessment. A veterinary report described her as underweight, suffering from a chronic skin condition, flea infestation, inflamed skin, hair loss, scabs around her ears, a heart murmur, and abnormally fast breathing.
The vet said: “Dior has suffered due to untreated ear and skin disease. This would definitely have been noticeable to an owner as the signs of skin disease were clearly visible. It is likely that this disease was present for at least a week and likely longer due to the level of thickening of the tissue.”
Baker was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days. She was fined £40 and ordered to pay a £144 victim surcharge.
Her defence said she had no previous convictions, suffers from depression and ADHD, and is now receiving treatment. Baker accepted responsibility and admitted she failed to get veterinary care due to financial issues and lack of awareness of the severity of Dior’s illness.
She has since renovated the property with council support.
Dior is now in RSPCA care and recovering while she awaits rehoming.
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