A heartless woman who neglected her two dogs and falsely claimed they were strays she found while on the school run has been revealed as their actual owner.
Shauna Rouse alleged that she stumbled upon a pair of neglected Maltese terriers in a bush during a walk with her children. However, an inquiry unveiled that the 31-year-old was accountable for their appalling state.
The two dogs were taken to Dogs Trust Manchester Rehoming Centre in Denton. One of them collapsed, and the other was unresponsive. Bailey arrived weighing only 2.75kg, with tangled fur, feces marks, and failing organs.
Tragically, veterinarians had to euthanize Bailey to prevent further suffering. It was found that Bailey was microchipped and belonged to Rouse, while the second dog, nicknamed Tiny Tim, was also malnourished, weighing a mere 2.8kg.
The distressing condition of the dogs prompted an investigation into animal welfare violations led by the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
Inspector Rachel Whalley linked Tiny Tim back to Rouse, from Bunyan Close, Oldham, who confessed to owning Bailey and Marley (Tiny Tim).
Rouse appeared in Tameside Magistrates Court on October 10, admitting guilt to two offenses under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in a prior hearing.
She was handed a 10-year ban on owning animals, a 12-month community order, a 10-week curfew from 9pm to 7am, and was required to pay £200 in costs. Tiny Tim has since been rehomed and is thriving, now weighing 4.09kg in his forever home.
Lisa Eardly, Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, expressed, “The dogs arrived in a deplorable condition, which was extremely distressing. However, we are pleased that Tiny Tim is now in a secure, affectionate home, enjoying life in his forever family. If anyone is struggling to care for their dog, please reach out to us.”
“Dogs Trust, in collaboration with the RSPCA and other organizations, provides assistance to owners, including pet food banks and our free behavior support line, ready to intervene if owners opt to rehome their dogs.”