Deaf German Shepherd called Storm put down after being dumped in filthy, faeces-covered cage by Blackpool owner

A Blackpool woman has been banned from keeping dogs for five years after her pet was found living in a filthy, faeces-covered cage. Storm the German Shepherd was so sick he later had to be put down.
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Helen Tracy Shaw, 50, of Romney Avenue, Blackpool, appeared at Blackpool Magistrates Court on Wednesday to be sentenced having admitting at an earlier hearing to allowing 13-year-old Storm to suffer.

RSPCA Inspector William Lamping, who led the investigation for the animal welfare charity, visited the Shaw's home on February 18 last year.

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Storm had extensive fur loss across most of his body with his exposed skin reddened, scabby and flaky, the charity said. The dog’s left ear 'appeared damaged with a black substance oozing from it' and he regularly scratched at his head and seemed to be very itchy. What fur Storm did have was heavily matted and dark brown in colour.

Storm had been badly neglected by his owner, Tracy Shaw. Picture by RSPCAStorm had been badly neglected by his owner, Tracy Shaw. Picture by RSPCA
Storm had been badly neglected by his owner, Tracy Shaw. Picture by RSPCA

Insp Lamping said: “Storm was kept in an outbuilding that was unsuitable for him, mostly consisting of a hard floor that was soiled with faeces and old dog food. His bedding appeared rotten to the point I could not distinguish whether it was a towel or some other material - it looked sodden. There was very little natural light inside the building and when the door was closed I imagine there was no light at all.”

Storm was taken to a vet for examination where it was found he had an ear infection in both ears which had deafened him. He had a skin infection, causing his skin to become inflamed and scabby with wounds, and was also believed to be suffering from arthritis and poor eyesight.

The RSPCA said: "Vets felt Storm was suffering to such an extent that the kindest thing to do was to put him to sleep to prevent him suffering anymore."

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Shaw pleaded guilty to one offence under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act. In addition to the five year disqualification from keeping dogs, she was sentenced to an 18 month community order, including a 40 day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and a six week curfew. She was ordered to pay £250 in costs and a £80 victim surcharge.

Storm's skin was infected and covered in sores. Picture by RSPCAStorm's skin was infected and covered in sores. Picture by RSPCA
Storm's skin was infected and covered in sores. Picture by RSPCA

Following the hearing Insp Lamping said: “There is no excuse for allowing any pet to get into the state Storm was in. There is always help available for those people who need it and we encourage people to seek out this help to prevent animals suffering.”