Pet ban for woman who let two dogs starve to death

Tara Bridges (32), of Beaconsfield Road, Broom, was given the ten-year ban at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday, after being convicted in her absence.

Magistrates heard that Bridges caused unnecessary suffering to poodle-terrier cross Lila, by failing to investigate her weight loss or poor condition.

Bridges also failed to take reasonable steps to meet the pet’s needs, in that she did not provide a suitable living environment or clean drinking water.

Three-year-old Lila and another dog — five-year-old Moxy — were found dead at Bridges’ home, surrounded by faeces and without food or water.

A warrant for her arrest was issued on Tuesday, August 7, after she failed to attend Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.

The dogs were found by RSPCA inspectors on January 30, the offences having taken place between December 12, 2017 and that date. Pictured below is one of the dogs found by inspectors.

Bridges told police that both dogs were healthy the day before they were found.

But one of the animals was partially decomposed and could have been dead for weeks, the court heard.

Magistrates prohibited Bridges from keeping animals under Section 34 of the Animal Welfare Act, 2006.

She cannot appeal to have the order overturned for at least five years.

Bridges was also sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months and ordered to £300 costs.