A woman whose dog was left emaciated despite an offer to fund its treatment has appeared in court.
Concerns about Rebecca Tuffs’ Staffie-type dog were raised for months before the RSPCA seized it.
Tuffs, 35, believed Kiara was grieving after her other dog died of old age, Teesside Crown Court heard.
RSPCA lawyer Kate Barnes said officers visited Tuffs’ home several times and left her a £150 credit note for treatment.
She said the RSPCA first visited Tuffs’ home in December 2023 after reports of an underweight dog but could not inspect Kiara.
Ms Barnes said officers made further visits in January, when they left the £150 voucher at Tuffs’ home.
Inspectors visited in April and May and tried to arrange veterinary appointments on her behalf, the court heard.
“A rescue officer visited her in October and she answered, allowing the officer to see the dog,” she said.
“The officer observed the dog was underweight and scratching a great deal. The dog was taken to a vet for examination and was found to be in a suffering state.”
The dog weighed 12.8kg, against an expected 16kg, and had been suffering for at least a month, the court heard.
Tuffs, of Rainham Close, Middlesbrough, admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog between September 4 and October 4, 2024.
Her lawyer, Robert Mochrie, said Tuffs was living in poverty and struggling to function at the time.
He said: “She did have two dogs, both of which enjoyed a happy life together, one of them died of natural causes.
“The remaining dog began rejecting food and seemed to be in a depressed state but she knows she should have done more.
“She was offered opportunities but such was the chaotic nature of her life at the time she failed to meet her obligations.”
Recorder Taryn Turner sentenced Tuffs to an 18-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days.
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She said: “Concerns about Kiara’s welfare were first reported to the RSPCA in December 2023 and there followed a series of visits in the following months.
“Advice was provided to you and vouchers were provided for you because veterinary care was required.
“Despite that, appropriate steps were not taken. She was later described as emaciated and suffering from a skin condition causing her to scratch herself.”
Tuffs was banned from keeping animals for life, and Kiara was permanently removed from her care.
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