26 June 2008

A mother and daughter have been banned from keeping animals for five years after being caught docking the tails of boxer puppies.

Watford Magistrates Court convicted Sylvia Elliott and her daughter Sheila after they both pleaded guilty for charges levelled under the Animal Welfare Act.

They were accused of docking tails, which involves removing an animal's tail by using a rubber band, along with failure to keep the puppies free of pain, injury and disease.

It was during August last year that an animal welfare inspector discovered the puppies living in disgusting condition as the home of mother-of-five Sheila.

Melanie Fisher, RSPCA detective chief inspector, told the Watford Observer that the sentence was fair especially as the "puppies were mutilated for cosmetic reasons for financial gain".

"The puppies were found in appalling condition, but we have got them out and found them good new homes."

"This sentence is a good deterrent and will hopefully highlight the fact that ignorance is no excuse for animal cruelty," she added.

Along with the five-year ban, the mother and daughter were also ordered to pay £515 in fines and court costs