FIVE YEARS: Hemel Hempstead couple disqualified from keeping dogs

A couple has been disqualified from keeping dogs for five years after pleading guilty to an offence of causing unnecessary suffering to their dog, a West Highland Terrier called Daisy.

Garry and Claire Miller of Knights Orchard, Hemel Hempstead, were sentenced at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday May 12.

Claire Miller was ordered to pay £120 fine, £34 victim surcharge and £750 costs.

Garry Miller was ordered to pay £1,000 fine, £100 victim surcharge & £750 costs. Both were disqualified from keeping dogs for five years.

Daisy was found straying, in the Hemel Hempstead area on Friday October 16, 2020 and signed over to Dacorum Borough Council.

The examining vet said that Daisy was in very poor condition. Her coat was described as greasy and matted, she had dried faeces in her coat and her ears were infected with thick smelly discharge.

Both her eyes had significant discharge and she also had an ingrown dew claw which had grown into her leg causing an infected wound.

Cllr Julie Banks, portfolio holder for community and regulatory services, said: “This case sends out a clear message about how seriously Dacorum Borough Council and the courts take the issue of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

“It is never acceptable to neglect an animal and I pay tribute to our Animal Welfare Team who have helped Daisy recover and find a new home for her.”

The investigating officer, Dacorum Borough Council animal welfare officer, Rachel Smith said:

“Daisy was an older dog who deserved to be cared for her in twilight years. There is support available through local charities and rehoming centres, who can assist owners who may be suffering financially.

“Daisy’s suffering could easily have been avoided. Following Daisy coming into Dacorum Borough Council care, she has gone on to make a full recovery and has now settled well into her new forever home.”